How to Apply
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students from any discipline with quantitative/analytical skills that have an interest in learning data science are encouraged to apply. Students must be enrolled at Iowa State University to be eligible.
Students may email their interest in the program to dspg@iastate.edu.
Successful undergraduate candidates have previously demonstrated the following abilities:
- Ability to cooperate as team members.
- Ability to think critically about social and technical issues.
- Some technical experience in coding or GIS work.
- Being timely and professional with their work.
Develop a professional portfolio, expand your networks, and learn about the application of data science!
Graduate Students
Graduate students are encouraged to apply as Graduate Fellows. Graduate Fellows must be enrolled at Iowa State University.
Students may email their interest in the program to dspg@iastate.edu.
Successful Graduate Fellows in the past demonstrated the following abilities:
- Strong skills in team and project management.
- Technical proficiency in coding or GIS to support undergraduates.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Adaptability to project management.
- Being timely and professional with their work.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email dspg@iastate.edu.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
Program Details
The 2025 summer program was a 40-hour per week paid program where undergraduate and graduate students collaborated in-person on Iowa State University's campus. The program covered a 9-week period starting from May 21 to July 23.
Project participants must currently be enrolled at Iowa State University by the time of their application and are expected to find their own housing accommodation in Ames during the program. Program hours for a typical day start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Here's a closer look at a typical day in the DSPG program:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 a.m. | Morning presentations & data activities |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Meetings with project leads to discuss weekly objectives |
| 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Project work time |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Lunch with occasional talks by data science professional |
| 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Project work time |