From classroom to community: Students use analytics to tackle poverty
For nearly 50 years, SAS has partnered with academia to develop innovative solutions to real world challenges using analytics. In Australia we’ve been developing a unique industry project program, designed to:
- Showcase SAS and AI/Analytics skill
- Connect students with industry mentors
- Support Work Integrated Learning Program
We began in 2022 with the University of New South Wales, where students and industry leaders explored the impact of Zoe Empowers. Zoe Empowers employs data-driven solutions to assist orphaned and vulnerable children in their quest to break the shackles of poverty and attain self-sufficiency. The success and impact of this pilot prompted SAS to extend the program, inviting more universities to participate, including Macquarie University.
From down under to the world
Earlier this year a group of 10 students embarked upon their industry project to interpret the Zoe Empowers data. Apply their analytical skills using SAS to seek insights and recommendations demonstrating that orphaned and vulnerable children are truly sustainably self-sufficient across every area of life.
The learning experience provided the opportunity to bridge the gap between their classroom education and practical application. And of course the chance to use SAS® Viya® technology to put their analytical abilities to the test.
Expanding horizons with new perspectives
Each cohort's fresh perspective brought exciting insights. UNSW students identified avenues to collaborate with social impact organisations, such as Australia's Direct Aid Program and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. In contrast, Macquarie's students focused on political education, environmental awareness, and initiatives tailored to the unique needs of their respective countries.
One remarkable discovery from Macquarie's project was the realisation that the challenges affecting the well-being of individuals in Kenya and Rwanda are distinctly country-specific. In Kenya, understanding government-granted rights is crucial for a satisfying life, while in Rwanda, comprehending health insurance and its potential benefits takes precedence.
More than a technological exercise
Key to the success of this program is, it goes beyond learning about technology. It provides a real world problem for students to think about. It allows industry mentors to closely guide the students, ask questions and encourage new thinking, and ultimately provide the students an opportunity to present their findings. Like I the real world!
The program provides students a compelling glimpse into the challenges they will face when they begin their careers. An understanding how analytics, coupled with their expertise, can transform data into intelligence and intelligence into insights.
Want to know more. Contacts academic@oz.sas.com.
