Apply Today!
Fall 2025 Applications Under Review.
Our review process is underway! Applications received after next Tuesday, August 19 will be automatically waitlisted for consideration if space opens. We strongly encourage you to get in your application this week.
Apply Today!
Fall 2025 Applications Under Review.
Our review process is underway! Applications received after next Tuesday, August 19 will be automatically waitlisted for consideration if space opens. We strongly encourage you to get in your application this week.
Training a data science workforce.
Data Mine of the Rockies is shaping the future workforce by training today’s college students to become tomorrow’s leading data scientists.
Training a
data science workforce.
Data Mine of the Rockies is shaping the future workforce by training today’s college students to become tomorrow’s leading data scientists.
What is Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR)?
The Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR) is an innovative data science initiative modeled after the highly successful The Data Mine at Purdue University (The Data Mine). Designed to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government, DMR provides a collaborative learning environment where students engage in real-world, data-driven projects addressing pressing challenges related to every aspect of data science — a career field with over 200,000 jobs in 2023 with anticipated 10% growth each year (according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Through partnerships with defense, aerospace, and technology organizations, as wells as other industries, students work on cutting-edge projects that impact national security, innovation, and economic development. The initiative not only cultivates a skilled workforce but also accelerates research, innovation, and data-driven decision-making in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.
DMR Founding Partnership!
DMR is made possible through the foundational partnership between Purdue University and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). These institutions lay the groundwork to fuel DMR’s growth across Colorado and beyond. Purdue University, the original creator of The Data Mine, provides proven expertise and leadership to create DMR’s structure.
UCCS takes the lead on statewide student recruitment and strengthening region-wide partnerships. Together, these partners ensure DMR stays academically strong, locally impactful, and ready to scale — preparing hundreds of students by 2026 (only 4 academic semesters) to succeed in a data-driven world, no matter their field of study.
Apply Today!
What is Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR)?
The Data Mine of the Rockies (DMR) is an innovative data science initiative modeled after the highly successful The Data Mine at Purdue University (The Data Mine). Designed to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government, DMR provides a collaborative learning environment where students engage in real-world, data-driven projects addressing pressing challenges related to every aspect of data science — a career field with over 200,000 jobs in 2023 with anticipated 10% growth each year (according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Through partnerships with defense, aerospace, and technology organizations, as wells as other industries, students work on cutting-edge projects that impact national security, innovation, and economic development. The initiative not only cultivates a skilled workforce but also accelerates research, innovation, and data-driven decision-making in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.
DMR Founding Partnership!
DMR is made possible through the foundational partnership between Purdue University and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). These institutions lay the groundwork to fuel DMR’s growth across Colorado and beyond. Purdue University, the original creator of The Data Mine, provides proven expertise and leadership to create DMR’s structure.
UCCS takes the lead on statewide student recruitment and strengthening region-wide partnerships. Together, these partners ensure DMR stays academically strong, locally impactful, and ready to scale — preparing hundreds of students by 2026 (only 4 academic semesters) to succeed in a data-driven world, no matter their field of study.
Colorado’s data science ecosystem.
The Data Mine of the Rockies sits at the intersection of education, industry, defense, and aerospace—creating a powerful ecosystem where students, universities, and employers work together to solve real-world problems with data. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical experience while helping companies and government partners tackle challenges in fields like national security and space.
This unique model blends classroom learning with real-world application, building a talent pipeline that strengthens Colorado’s innovation ecosystem and prepares a diverse generation of data professionals for high-impact careers.
Colorado’s
data science ecosystem.
The Data Mine of the Rockies sits at the intersection of education, industry, defense, and aerospace—creating a powerful ecosystem where students, universities, and employers work together to solve real-world problems with data. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical experience while helping companies and government partners tackle challenges in fields like national security and space.
This unique model blends classroom learning with real-world application, building a talent pipeline that strengthens Colorado’s innovation ecosystem and prepares a diverse generation of data professionals for high-impact careers.
DMR gives students the chance to go beyond the classroom and work on real-world data projects with top companies, government agencies, and research partners. Whether studying engineering, business, biology, or anything in between, DMR will help create and apply skills to solve real problems—and get noticed by future employers. Gain experience working in teams, build resumes with meaningful work, establish and grow a network with mentors and industry leaders. Best of all, DMR is open to students from all majors with no experience required!
DMR offers academic institutions a unique opportunity to bring industry-aligned, experiential learning directly to students. By becoming a DMR Academic Partner, institutions will integrate real-world data projects into the student experience—enhancing career readiness, supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strengthening ties to employers across aerospace, defense, technology, and other high-growth sectors. Academic Partners benefit from access to proven curriculum models and shared sponsor networks.
Project Partners are the heartbeat of DMR. Project Partners bring real-world problem sets to life by sponsoring data projects that collegiate students work on throughout the academic year. In return, partners gain access to a diverse pipeline of emerging talent, fresh insights driven by data, and visibility as an innovation leader. Whether in aerospace, defense, healthcare, energy, a data-intensive industry, or any other sector, DMR connects you directly to the next generation of data scientists while delivering meaningful value, solving your data science needs.
