Alation Supports Next Generation of Data Enthusiasts, Provides Free Software & Training Tailored to Academic Institutions to Empower Students with Data and Analytics Skills

After successful pilot with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, call for applications opens globally

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alation Inc., the leader in enterprise data intelligence solutions, today announced a new philanthropic initiative, The Data Intelligence Project. As part of this initiative Alation provides its platform, free of charge, to academic institutions to nurture the next generation of data enthusiasts. Using Alation, undergraduate and graduate students complete their coursework and conduct data-based research, such as analyzing different datasets regarding aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first participant in the project, which launched in Summer 2020, was the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).

Through the project, the UWM School of Information Studies utilized Alation’s catalog and collaborative query tool in information and data-centric courses, including Introduction to Databases, Organizational Informatics, and Big Data and Society. The classes introduced classic concepts and methodology from information science as applied to data, data cataloging, and data usage. More than 250 students have used Alation in their coursework thus far. Classes for 2021 are currently underway, and more courses are available in Fall 2021.

“The Data Intelligence Project has enabled hundreds of students to learn and conduct data-based research, and experience the benefits of integrating shared data in their assignments,” said Dr. Maria Haigh, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “In these courses, students found Alation’s collaborative features and the hands-on introduction to metadata in a shared data warehouse extremely valuable. Alation has helped them nurture data research, collaboration and analytical skills; such skills are not only critical to solving big data problems, they are uniquely supported by Alation’s technology.”

“We are delighted that Alation has helped so many students attain 21st-century data skills at UWM. Since inception, Alation’s mission has been to empower a curious and rational world, and so we have a natural affinity with colleges and universities,” said Aaron Kalb, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Alation. “It’s been a pleasure to partner with Professor Haigh and Deb Seys, Alation’s program lead on this initiative. After this success with UWM, we’re so excited to extend The Data Intelligence Project to more institutions around the globe.”

Alation had been planning a University program for some time when UWM alumna and UWM iSchool advisory council member Susannah Barnes connected her alma mater to the software company. Barnes uses Alation as a senior data governance specialist at American Family Insurance.

“Providing students with opportunities to work with advanced technologies is critical to their development and their careers. It is both educational and inspiring,” said Barnes.

Alation continues to invest in tomorrow’s data leaders by expanding the program to additional universities. In 2022, Alation will select up to five academic institutions to provide its data intelligence software. Universities interested in using Alation are invited to apply for The Data Intelligence Project.

Learn More:

• Read Deb Seys’ blog, Training the Next Generation of Data Leaders: The Data Intelligence Project
• Join Alation’s growing team
• Apply for The Data Intelligence Project

About Alation

Alation is the leader in enterprise data intelligence solutions including data search & discovery, data governance, data stewardship, analytics, and digital transformation. Alation’s initial offering dominates the data catalog market. Thanks to its powerful Behavioral Analysis Engine, inbuilt collaboration capabilities, and open interfaces, Alation combines machine learning with human insight to successfully tackle even the most demanding challenges in data and metadata management. More than 250 enterprises drive data culture, improve decision making, and realize business outcomes with Alation including AbbVie, American Family Insurance, Cisco, Exelon, Finnair, Munich Re, New Balance, Pfizer, Scandinavian Airlines, and US Foods. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Alation was named to Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces list and is backed by leading venture capitalists including Blackstone, Costanoa, Data Collective, Dell Technologies, Icon, ISAI Cap, Riverwood, Salesforce, Sanabil, Sapphire, and Snowflake Ventures. For more information, visit alation.com.