Data Gap Analysis

Urban GIS, Inc. was tasked with performing a data gap analysis in collaboration with UNCF in support of Lilly Endowment’s report on “Removing Barriers for Students of Color to Pursuing Careers in Engineering”.  The main objective of the Data Gap Analysis was to gain an understanding of current data as it relates to student, institution, and provider engagement in increasing the number of people of color entering and thriving in the discipline of engineering.  Through a multi-faceted approach integrating literature reviews, primary data analysis, and expert insights, the project aimed to identify key issues, highlight gaps in existing research, and recommend strategies to enhance diversity and inclusivity in engineering education and workforce pathways. 

Our team sought to highlight issues associated with acquiring the data necessary for conducting meaningful analyses and strived to understand possible limitations that may result from limited data sharing agreements, internal-facing data constraints, and other access restrictions.  To demonstrate the data gaps, we created maps, charts and tables, as well as an Esri Story Map, which pulls the analysis together in a concise manner.  Toward a solution to the challenges that we identified, our team outlined recommendations such as defining protocols across institutions, building data sharing alliances, expanding comprehensive research areas, and promoting longitudinal studies.