Super Analytics Challenge: #KatzImpact Beyond the Classroom

The annual Super Analytics Challenge is an opportunity for Pitt graduate students to harness the power of data analytics to serve as catalysts for change. Led by the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, students from unique backgrounds team up to frame a problem, create a data methodology, and generate operable proposals for solutions. In addition, students interact with a variety of senior technology and data executives at Fortune 500 corporations and local community organizations.

“Katz’s mission to prepare students to be catalysts for change is more important than ever, requiring us to prioritize our approach to integrated learning and embrace our purpose of educating leaders who positively impact humanity” – Sara B. Moeller, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Executive Education, Katz Graduate School of Business

Big Ideas, Big Impact

The Challenge’s impact includes sharing and generating new knowledge; connecting business analytics skill development and training – a critical skill for the work force of tomorrow. We’re also connecting with graduate programs across Pitt, including students from different programs.

Fellowship funding is also available for students to implement their ideas. This supports other existing programs like the Bridge Program as developed by Katz to implement ideas generated from the Challenge.

2023 Challenge: Mental Health

This challenge was focused on the shortage of behavioral health and mental health workers amid a rising need for services. Teams generated ideas to help various personas in the realm of mental health. To learn more about the results of the 2023 challenge, click here.

Executive support and guidance were provided by executive leaders from Mastercard, SAP, Accenture, Results for America, and the Pittsburgh Technology Council.

2022 Challenge: Food Insecurity and Hunger

According to Feed America, 1 in 8 Americans goes hungry every day. Yet the United States produces more food than any other country. The 2022 Challenge recipient partner organization was the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which serves 11 counties in southwestern PA, supporting some 320,000 people who are food insecure.

Executive support and guidance were provided by executive leaders from Mastercard, SAP, Accenture, Giant Eagle, Highmark, the Heinz Endowments, and the Pittsburgh Technology Council.

The challenge included seven teams of five graduate students, mostly from Katz and then other programs, including engineering, physics, public health, and computing and information. To learn more about the results of the 2022 challenge, click here.

 2021 Challenge: Homelessness

Katz partnered with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services to examine scenarios that either led people and families into becoming homeless, or factors which may prevent homelessness. By harnessing the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and energy of graduate students, the Challenge sought to catalyze social impact through novel data-driven solutions and insights that could serve the homeless community.

The winning team of students received an $8,000 fellowship to implement their idea, which was to bring more access to sanitation to the homeless community. This article, The #KatzImpact and Beyond, summarizes the collaboration between the team, Accenture, Highmark, the National Association of Counties, Pittsburgh Technology Council, SAP, and UPMC along with non-profits Love Beyond Walls and Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community in Pittsburgh’s South Side. Other supporters include the American Marketing Association – Pittsburgh