FinDS 2024
About
FinDS is a 3-week summer program that is designed to provide high school students with a strong base in the Mathematical Foundations of Data Science, with in-person and virtual options available.
Overview
FinDS is an innovative program that is designed to provide high school students a strong base in the Mathematical Foundations of Data Science. We do not expect a prior background in data science. A strong background in algebra and willingness to work hard is al that is required to participate in the program. The program is appropriate for any student who has taken Algebra 2. Even college students seeking a solid background in the foundation of data science are welcome to apply.
Computer science and data science are not just about coding, building systems, or crunching data. The pillar of computer science and data science lies in its mathematical foundation. Success in higher studies in computing requires solid backgrounds in Probability, Graph Theory, Calculus, and Linear Algebra. Without probability, there won't be any public-key crypto systems. Without graphs, there won't be any Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Without calculus, there won't be any gradient descent algorithms that has transformed machine learning. Without linear algebra, there won't be any Google search engines.
FinDS is a unique summer program sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) supported EnCORE Institute that will solidify students' education in the mathematics behind data science. Upon completion of the course, students will be ready to understand some of the most beautiful innovations of computer and data sciences and can enroll further in a year-long program for advanced education in computer algorithms and machine learnings. The instructors of the course are world-renowned Computer Science and Data Science professors at University of California San Diego, University of California Los Angeles, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Texas Austin. They have over twenty years of experience in research and education in computer science and have won numerous prestigious national and international awards. The course will have both virtual and in person offerings. Generous scholarships are available from NSF.
Instructors
Dr. Rajiv Gandhi
University of Pennsylvania & Rutgers University-Camden
Prof. Hoa Vu
San Diego State University
Prof. Barna Saha
University of California, San Diego
Prof. Sanjoy Dasgupta
University of California, San Diego
Prof. Arya Mazumdar
University of California, San Diego
Prof. Gal Mishne
University of California, San Diego
Prof. Yusu Wang
University of California, San Diego
Prof. Kamalika Chaudhuri
University of California, San Diego & Meta AI
Program Details
Tuition
Fees
All accepted students will need to pay a $100 application fee. (The fee and tuition payment request will be sent with the acceptance email.)
Beginner Program Tuition
$750 (3 weeks)
$500 (2 weeks)
Advanced Program Tuition
$800
Financial assistance may be available based on need. We also look for a commitment to aspire and an eagerness to learn.
Application Requirements
When applying, students will need to submit the following in their application:
A personal statement in the form of a PDF (less than 10MB)
An unofficial transcript in the form of a PDF (less than 10MB)
At least 1 letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher by providing their email address. This letter must be sent in by the application deadline.
Location
In-Person Advanced Program: UC San Diego, Computer Science, and Engineering Building
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
In-Person Beginner Program: University of Pennsylvania: Department of Computer and Information Science
Levine Hall, 3330 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Virtual Program: Zoom