2024 PREDOC Summer Course: Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems

May 27-August 3, 2024

  • March 23, 2024
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Thank you!

The PREDOC Summer Course: Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems was an eight-week, tuition-free course we offered annually from 2021 to 2024. A goal of the program was to remove barriers to access to research and doctoral careers in quantitative social science, and cultivate an inclusive classroom experience where different ideas and experiences could interact productively.

Thank you to our organizational partners, Harvard's Opportunity Insights and The Federal Reserve Board, for whom without the past few years would not have been possible. And congratulations to the accomplishments of our many amazing participants!

Thank you!

The PREDOC Summer Course: Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems is an eight-week, tuition-free course providing a culminating award of $2,000 to successful participants. A goal of the program is to remove barriers to access to research and doctoral careers in quantitative social science, and cultivate an inclusive classroom experience where different ideas and experiences interact productively. This virtual course is designed to prepare rising undergraduate sophomores and juniors with the coding, research methodology, and professional skills that are relevant for pursuing a research career in the quantitative social sciences. We want students to be well-equipped to find their own research pathways, whether they lead to a pre-doctoral position or graduate study.

Applications are now closed. Please check back next year for information about the 2025 cycle.

Please contact us at info@predoc.org with any questions.

Summer Course Institutional Partners

This summer, the course will be taught by Professor Bruich, a lecturer and advisor in the Department of Economics at Harvard University. Professor Bruich is a representative of Harvard's Opportunity Insights (OI), one of the main program partners helping to ensure the success of this program. Along with Prof. Bruich, students will have the opportunity to learn from and meet with faculty and economists representing a diverse range of specialties from OI and other premier research institutions.

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors will host Day 1 of the capstone research conference in Washington, D.C.

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Opportunity Insights

OI's mission is to identify barriers to economic opportunity and develop scalable solutions that will empower people throughout the United States to rise out of poverty and achieve better life outcomes.

Opportunity Insights

Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates are:

  • Students who will be a sophomore or junior in Fall 2024 interested in the quantitative social sciences (e.g., economics, sociology, public policy, behavioral science, etc.). Please note recent graduates are not eligible for the program.
  • Looking to broaden your skill-set and prepare for research opportunities after graduation, such as a pre-doctoral position and/or graduate school
  • Generally interested in a research career examining economic and social issues
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Interested in applying but want to learn more?

Join our upcoming virtual info session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT to learn more. Register here!

— predoc.org/events

Application Requirements:
We are excited to offer the 2024 PREDOC Summer Course: Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems in a virtual environment, with exception for the mandatory in-person research presentation in Washington, D.C. The conference is scheduled for the beginning of August; travel and board will be funded.

  • Course duration: May 27 – August 3, with a break the week of July 1. The actual course will begin on June 4, 2024. All admits will be required to participate in coding boot camp sessions the week prior (meetings times will be set in consultation with participants).
  • Mandatory course meeting times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EDT; professional development meetings on Wednesdays 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EDT
  • Application deadline: March 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Application is not considered complete without unofficial transcripts and completed survey
  • Requirements: Completed Application and Unofficial Transcripts from Undergraduate Institution