The Super Analytics Challenge
The Super Analytics Challenge, led by the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, provides an opportunity for students to create data-driven solutions addressing real challenges faced by communities throughout the Pennsylvania region.
Participants from various programs frame a problem, create a data methodology, and generate operable proposals for solutions. Students have the opportunity to learn from a variety of Fortune 500 executives and representatives from national and local community organizations.
The theme for 2025 is Healthcare for the Homeless.
Download the PDF flyer for more information.
Register to attend the information session on November 8, 2024.
Watch recap of last year’s challenge: 2024 Tackling Workforce Development Issues
It’s become increasingly clear that our students are anxious to make an impact outside of the classroom, and it is our role to diligently train them to manage during times of change and uncertainty. Our mission to prepare students to be catalysts for change is more important than ever, requiring us to prioritize our approach to integrated learning and embrace our purpose of educating leaders who positively impact humanity.
Graduate Student Participants
Innovative Solutions Offered to Community Partners
Community Partners
2025 Partner Schools
About the Super Analytics Challenge
Challenge Structure
Teams of five graduate students from across the University of Pittsburgh and university partners work together to help solve globally relevant topics with regional characteristics. The teams are each assigned an executive coach and work to develop and deliver solutions.
The teams will present their solutions across three Challenge phases: Problem Framing, Data Analysis, and Final Presentation.
Eligibility
The Super Analytics Challenge is open to all graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh and selected university partners (Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, West Virginia University, and Duquesne University). Experience is not required. To be eligible, students must:
- Complete the online application
- Provide a current resume in PDF form
- Briefly describe your interest in participating focused on the current year’s social challenge and related business skills (i.e., problem-solving, data management, etc.)
Commitment
Participation is a time investment of about 20 hours prior to the Challenge, and full Challenge weekend:
- 5 Hours per week during the Pre-Challenge Phase
- 15 Hours per week for the Discovery Phase
- 40 – 50 hours during the Challenge Weekend
- There is no application fee for the Challenge but there is an entry fee of $50 for students selected to a team who opt out of hotel accommodations, and $200 for students selected to a team who require hotel accommodations.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: November 8, 2024
- Applications Due: December 1, 2024
- Teams formed & Students Notified: Week of December 9, 2024
- Challenge Launches: Mid-January 2025
- Challenge Weekend: February 7-9, 2025
Prizes
There will be prize money for First, Second, and Third Place Teams.
- First Place: $5,000
- Second Place: $3,750
- Third Place: $2,500
Questions?
Interested graduate students and potential partners can learn more about the Super Analytics Challenge by contacting Katie Bennett, Associate Director for Student Engagement, at KLBennett@katz.pitt.edu.
The Super Analytics Challenge was a great opportunity to drive change in the community.
We love seeing academia, business, and future business leaders come together to solve not just a challenge, but a challenge that impacts so many people.
Challenge History
2024
Workforce Development
This challenge addressed the barriers hindering individuals’ access to opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
2023
Mental Health
This challenge focused on the shortage of behavioral and mental health workers amid a rising need for services.
2022
Food Insecurity and Hunger
This challenge focused on addressing problems related to accessing food security
2021
Homelessness
This challenge focused on the causes of homelessness and solutions to prevent or minimize the occurrence of homelessness.
Media Mentions
Super Analytics Challenge Prepares to Change Lives
Super Analytics Challenge Kicks Off With Community Service
Read More >
Graduate Students Succeed As Catalysts for Change in Super Analytics Challenge
Read More >
Pittsburgh Technology Council Podcast: Hear Christopher Barlow and Pitt graduate students detail the 2023 challenge and how they plan to expand it in 2024
Listen to the Podcast >
Challenging Students to Improve the World, AACSB
Super Analytics Challenge Partners
