Data and analytics are powerful tools that help us tackle society’s greatest challenges. Since it began in 2021, the annual Super Analytics Challenge has tasked graduate students to use data to help address community needs. Students frame issues, devise data methodologies, and propose actionable recommendations, learning directly from Fortune 500 executives and representatives from community organizations.

The nonprofits may not have the resources to implement these solutions, so Katz’s Bridge Program provides the help. Students receive paid summer fellowships to implement the winning solutions from the Challenge as well as other projects aimed at assisting nonprofits and small businesses in the Pittsburgh community.

“At the end of each challenge, we hope that these collective efforts not only enrich our students’ learning experience but leave a positive impact on the wider Pittsburgh community,” says Sara Moeller, senior associate dean for Teaching and Learning at Pitt Business.

Challenge Origins

Launched during the pandemic, the 2021 Super Analytics Challenge engaged graduate students in a one-week hackathon-style competition to address homelessness in Pittsburgh. Teams proposed innovative solutions for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, with the winning project installing hand-washing stations in Pittsburgh’s South Side. 

Focus on Food Insecurity and Mental Health

In subsequent years, the students tackled food insecurity and mental health services. The 2022 Challenge partnered with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, focusing on transportation barriers. Funded by SAP, the winning team mapped ZIP codes for potential food bank partnerships. The Catalyst for Impact Symposium concluded the event with presentations and workshops promoting data literacy and social responsibility.

“What excited me the most about working with Katz students was their fresh perspective,” said Lisa Scales, the food bank’s chief executive officer. “Some students were introduced to food insecurity for the first time and their ideas helped us better serve our community.”

The 2023 Challenge expanded its scope, allowing students to explore support solutions for various mental health issues. Projects included connecting veterans who have PTSD to pet companionship and using AI to enhance mental health support accessibility. 

Participant Sarthak Gupta (MBA, MS ’24) said, “The value of this Challenge is that we’re addressing a meaningful problem. Making a difference toward a better future is the best part of this experience.”

From Hackathon to Community Transformation

The Challenge has significantly evolved over four years. The 2024 Challenge expanded beyond Pitt with graduate students from Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, Penn State, and West Virginia universities. Utilizing their different academic and personal backgrounds, these student teams focused on regional workforce skill development. The winning team’s proposed solution involves the implementation of mobile training units designed to provide high school students with critical skills training.

Also new in 2024, a first-of-its-kind Graduate Technology & Analytics Job Fair was held in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, connecting students with relevant jobs and internships in the region.

To 2025 and Beyond!

“This is such a special program,” said Pastor Erin Jones, formerly of the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, who worked closely with the Bridge Program since the first year. 

She continued, “It connects business students with people who have different life experiences than they do. It would be easy to just look at the numbers and data related to these issues, but Katz students have shown a real curiosity about other people and their lived experiences. I don’t know of any other business school of this stature that takes these community issues as seriously as Katz.”

These programs are made possible, in part, by a gift from the Alan and Joyce Shalette Revocable Trust. Get involved as a mentor or coach for the Super Analytics Challenge or the Bridge Program by contacting Katie Bennett, associate director for student engagement, at KLBennett@katz.pitt.edu.