In 2022, while planning our business intelligence education program, New Dimensions, we had the opportunity to establish a strategic partnership with DataCamp. DataCamp is a leading global platform for programming and data science education. Its dynamic, gamified learning model allows users to acquire programming and business intelligence skills without needing to download or install any software. This “standalone” approach helps overcome a common barrier to learning code: the need for a powerful computer.

DataCamp Donates is DataCamp’s corporate social responsibility program, focused on expanding data literacy in underserved communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations like the LIDE. It provides free premium subscriptions—each valued at over USD 399—to educational programs and foundations worldwide that are committed to closing the technical skills gap in the data industry.

LIDE became DataCamp’s first official partner in Ecuador. Thanks to this collaboration, since October 2022, we have distributed 82 premium subscriptions: 55 to New Dimensions scholars, 15 to low-income university students, and 12 to research fellows. During the launch of the New Dimensions program in March 2023, Nathaniel Taylor-Leach joined us to officially celebrate the start of this transformative educational journey.

Testimonials from our beneficiaries

The New Dimensions program blends remote, synchronous modules with expert instructors, alongside guided training using the DataCamp platform. So far, our stundetns have actively engaged with the platform, completing weekly assigned courses. Each completed course grants a certificate, which is highly valuable for professional development and job placement.

We have also promoted the use of DataCamp Workspace—an online coding environment that supports Markdown, R, Python, and SQL—enabling students to create dynamic, interactive data analysis documents. This tool has been key in ensuring students gain practical experience in R and Python, even when they lack access to high-performance computers typically required for programming.

“DataCamp has been an excellent opportunity to learn more about the importance of data, its use, and the benefits we can derive from it. The platform is intuitive, easy to use, and motivates us to practice through exercises. It also includes real-world cases and community challenges.”
— Angie Yépez, recipient of a DataCamp Premium license

DataCamp also provides key skills for quantitative academic research, applicable to any learning area. Camila Vallejo, another of our beneficiaries, says DataCamp has been transformative in her academic career. She learned to use data analysis tools like Power BI and R for a project on educational infrastructure and homes without internet access in Quito. Jonathan Panimboza, another beneficiary, mentions that the Python learning he acquired allowed him to deeply analyze his organization’s statistics, CEPEIGE, to optimize its processes and better understand the products it offers.

Beyond technical upskilling, DataCamp also supports academic research in quantitative fields. For instance, Camila Vallejo, one of our beneficiaries, shared how the platform transformed her academic trajectory. She used tools like Power BI and R for a project on educational infrastructure and homes without internet access in Quito. Similarly, Jonathan Panimboza applied his new Python skills to conduct in-depth statistical analysis at his organization, CEPEIGE, optimizing internal processes and improving understanding of its products.

Data science networking

As part of LIDE’s partnership with DataCamp, the program has also provided training in soft skills and networking to help students thrive in the data industry.

As part of our partnership, we are able to provide networking opportunities in the data industry for our students through live sessions. On July 31, 2023, Rogelio Montemayor, Senior Data Analyst at DataCamp, held a virtual talk with New Dimensions participants. Rogelio brings extensive academic and professional experience—he holds an MBA from Stanford and is a certified Data Scientist by DataCamp. His session focused on how to begin a career in data, highlighting the industry landscape in Latin America and the practical use of DataCamp tools.