Support Local Data Journalism

This Giving Day, help support a bold approach to empowering investigative journalism in cities through the use of high-quality data science. The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation and the University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) are building on the success of the Local Data Journalism Initiative, employing the highest-caliber data science and artificial intelligence tools and methodologies to support ambitious investigative journalism about critical issues affecting cities.  

The decline of local investigative journalism poses dire implications for cities, local governments, and citizens. Local media is essential for civic engagement, political accountability, and preventing misinformation and disinformation. By establishing partnerships between newsrooms and a University-led data science team, the Local Data Journalism Initiative will leverage Mansueto’s and DSI’s resources to meet a community need. 

Your Giving Day gift will help fund UChicago students, who will be part of data science teams working with journalists this summer in Chicago. This gift provides support to investigative data journalism at a time when it is needed most, while helping students to develop needed skill sets and inspiring them to use this training to improve the city of Chicago.  

Be part of this program with a gift of any size. Every contribution helps, no matter the amount.   

In its first round of applications, the Local Data Journalism Initiative received nearly 10 times more student applications than the number of spots available. Your support will not only go toward directly funding an investigative journalism project, but also enable more students at the University of Chicago to spend their summer supporting this work and building their experience with data science and artificial intelligence—at a time when these skills are in more demand than ever.  

Help support opportunities for UChicago students, expanded UChicago journalism offerings, and a free impartial press through investigative journalism projects on critical city issues. You will also empower the initiative to expand the program next year, making it available across the United States.