USDA Forest Service Partners with Truman College on Hackathon to Inspire the Next Generation of Data Leaders, event to be held April 24

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service saw an opportunity to share an idea that began as a bridge—one built between public service and student potential and by partnering with Harry S Truman College, the USDA brings federal datasets into the hands of community college students—many of whom had never imagined contributing to national forestry decisions.

“We host events like our hackathon because it goes a long way in encouraging students to use datasets to solve real problems using tools like traditional coding, interactive dashboards, and even AI platforms,” said President Shawn Jackson, Harry S Truman College. “Having hands-on learning like this allows our students to follow their interests and find their passion that could lead to a fulfilling career in STEM.”

Dr. Teesta Jain serves as the liaison between Harry S Truman College and the USDA and adds: “I’m thrilled to share that on the day of the hackathon, April 24, the room  will be abuzz  with teams huddled around laptops, deciphering datasets tied to forests, climate patterns, and land management,” said  Teesta Jain Ph.D.- instructor and program site co-coordinator of Amgen Biotechnology Experience. “It’s exciting to see our students in action working to solve real problems that can positively impact our communities.”

Some students are experienced coders, while others were learning on the go. They aren’t just completing an assignment; they will be analyzing information that could inform reports read by Congress. For many, it will be the first time their work is connected to something so impactful.

With the help of college students, the hackathon will tell the story of our forests through data. For the USDA, the collaboration is more than solving data challenges, it is about helping to spark imagination and interest in STEM careers as well as cultivate the future workforce.

For the students, the experience could be a turning point. A single day where teamwork, problem-solving, and purpose converge; and a newfound connection to careers in public service they may never have considered before.

Prizes will be awarded and include a letter from USDA Chief AI officer and USDA Challenge coin.

Why the USDA joined forces with Harry S Truman College and its students

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service partnered with Harry S Truman College to engage students in solving real world data challenges using authentic USDA Forest Service data. Through this collaboration, students analyze, clean, and interpret data that informs forestry and environmental decision making at the national level.

For the USDA, this partnership supports workforce development by introducing students to federal data, public service careers, and applied problem solving—while also benefiting from fresh, innovative perspectives on complex data challenges.

To learn more about Harry S Truman’s Biology Department visit: Biology – City Colleges of Chicago. 

About City Colleges of Chicago 

As the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity, City Colleges of Chicago catalyzes our students’ capacity to prosper and take part in building a stronger and more just Chicago.