North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will participate in the FICO® Educational Analytics Challenge, joining forces with FICO and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to train the next generation of data scientists. The program, now in its second year, expands this semester to include students from NCCU and three additional universities, bringing the total to seven participating HBCUs for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the first time, NCCU graduate students will participate in the challenge, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing them for leadership roles in an increasingly data-driven world.
“My graduate students are excited about NCCU’s new AI partnership with FICO,” said Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D., assistant professor and program director for information science in the School of Library and Information Sciences. “Our students are eager for hands-on experience, working on a real-world AI problem with smart data scientists professionals that will help sharpen their skills for post-graduation career opportunities.”
A Focus on Financial Fraud Detection
Criminals increasingly commit financial fraud by imitating legitimate banking behavior to steal billions in customer funds. To combat this, banks must utilize transactional analytics to detect and prevent fraud. This year’s challenge focuses on teaching students how to use behavioral analytics to identify and stop transaction fraud. Participants will develop real-time fraud detection models, gaining valuable experience in the responsible application of AI.
FICO’s Chief Analytics Officer Scott Zoldi, Ph.D., and his team will mentor students throughout the program. Zoldi will also deliver in-person lectures at each participating school, ensuring an immersive educational experience.
Expanding Opportunities for HBCU Students
In addition to mentoring, the program offers financial support to enhance analytics studies at participating HBCUs and provides access to summer internship opportunities with FICO.
“It’s very rewarding that schools are embracing the Analytics Challenge; the partnership with the faculty and student participants has helped grow the program tremendously since its launch,” said Zoldi. “To continue FICO’s goal of educating and empowering the next generation of data scientists, we are also giving the Analytics Challenge participants the opportunity to participate in summer internship opportunities in the organization. We look forward to continuing our work to diversify and expand the industry with the best and brightest.”
To learn more about the Educational Analytics Challenge:
- Dr. Scott Zoldi for Forbes Tech Council — Developing The Next Generation Of Data Scientists
- Dr. Scott Zoldi for FICO Blog - Using AI and Data Science to Fight Bias and Drive Opportunities
For more information about how HBCUs can get involved in the FICO Educational Analytics Challenge, please contact Seyi Mclelland at [email protected].
