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High School Data Derby

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Discover the Power of Data: Join the Data Derby for High School Students

November 12th, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how Netflix or Hulu know what shows to recommend, or how Amazon and Spotify seem to know exactly what you’ll like? The answer is data science. Every time you watch, rate, or search for something, these companies use that information as data. Data scientists and analysts then look for patterns in your activity and that of other users. This careful analysis allows companies such as Hulu to confidently suggest The Voice if you liked America’s Got Talent.

But it’s not just streaming services that rely on data analysis. Almost every business uses data to make smarter decisions. Sports teams analyze player stats to build better rosters. Public health experts use data to track diseases, predict health outcomes, and improve care. Whether you work for the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Pittsburgh Symphony, Hershey’s Chocolate or Habitat for Humanity, in the fashion or finance industry, the ability to answer questions with data is a powerful skill.

Saint Vincent College Data Derby introduces high school students to the field of data analytics, where you'll tackle a real-world problem using data. Working in teams, you'll analyze, interpret, and present your findings as you compete for the top prize.

Registration opens on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Registration information and link below.

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Students in formal attire present at a podium to an audience in a lecture room, with an Analysis slide projected on the screen.

Four students stand indoors holding open folders with Data Derby award certificates, smiling toward the camera.

Four students in formal attire stand in a row holding Data Derby certificates, with white trophy cups in front of them.

Three smiling students stand indoors holding Data Derby award certificates.

Four students stand side by side indoors, smiling and holding Data Derby award certificates.

Four students stand indoors holding Data Derby certificates, with Bearcats-branded backpacks in front of them.

Four students pose indoors holding large gold-topped champion trophies and smiling at the camera.

Four students stand indoors, smiling and holding large gold-and-black champion trophies.

Details

Dr. Justin Petrovich and Dr. Mary Regina Boland speak at a podium.

Data Derby Schedule of Events

November 12th, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Check back soon for more details.

Description

Teams of students will work together to analyze data and use their insights to answer an open-ended prompt, and create a presentation for the judges.

Here’s how it works:

  • Create a Team: Teachers will help organize teams of up to 4 students within their school district.
  • Discover the Task: The prompt and accompanying data set will be released to teachers in September, along with instructions and tutorial videos that they can share with their students.
  • Analyze the Data: Leading up to the event, students will analyze the data set in or outside of the classroom, at their teacher’s discretion.
  • Present your Project: They will then create a 5-minute presentation, which they will present on the day of the event.
  • Win Cash Prizes: Top groups in each track will win cash prizes!

 Contacts: Dr. Justin Petrovich or Dr. Mary Regina Boland

Participation:  

Students will form teams within their school district and must be sponsored by a teacher. Each team will be guided through the project and supported throughout the event. There will be two competition tracks:

  • Introductory Track: 9th and 10th grade track
  • Advanced Track: 11th and 12th grade track

Beyond the Competition

Beyond their presentation, students will discover more about the field of data science and data analytics. They will engage in sessions and activities with industry professionals, SVC professors, and college students majoring in data science and business data analytics.

Check back soon for more details.

Sponsors

Is your business interested in sponsoring the SVC Data Derby? We offer multiple sponsorship levels and truly value your support in empowering future data leaders. Please contact Justin Petrovich at justin.petrovich@stvincent.edu for more information.

Check back soon for more details.

Registration

When registering for SVC’s Data Derby, you’ll need to include the name of the teacher sponsoring your team. Teachers are welcome to sponsor multiple teams from their school district. If you're unsure whether your district has a sponsor, check with your school counselor or math teacher or contact Dr. Justin Petrovich at justin.petrovich@stvincent.edu or Dr. Mary Regina Boland at mary.boland@stvincent.edu.

Registration opens on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Register Here

If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Justin Petrovich or Dr. Mary Regina Boland.

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