Data Training Certificate Program

Who is this program for?

All City of Madison employees!

Yes, even if you don’t see yourself as a “data person,” this program is for you.

Whether you’re not sure if your work involves data or are looking to enhance specific data skills, this program will give you hands-on learning opportunities tailored to your individual goals.

Program Time Commitment

3.5 hours per week, including weekly worksheets and check-ins*.

*Additionally, the participant’s supervisor must dedicate some time to help the participant define the applied project and course focus or designate a project sponsor to do so.

Cohort 2026.1 Timeline

• February 2 to 13 - Learn about foundational data concepts and City resources in two intro sessions and identify your applied project idea.
• February 16 to April 13 - Take on-demand courses with an online learning provider and apply your new data skills through the development of a data project with genuine, ongoing work applications. Additionally, share your progress with your peers in a group session.
• April 20 to 24 - Present your applied project results in a closing session.

Where does this program take place?

All meetings and activities will be held online. 

On-demand courses will be available through one of the following providers based on your learning goals:

• DataCamp (– courses in multiple data-related topics, programming languages, and software.
• Esri – courses in geographic information systems and mapping.

The participant will work with the Data Team to make a final selection between DataCamp and Esri based on project goals.

Cost

The participant’s agency must be prepared to fund the cost of an online learning license ($330/license as of December 2025). A limited number of centrally funded licenses will be available to agencies without sufficient budget for this expense. 

How do I join the Cohort?

Declare your interest by December 19

There are limited spots available. The Data & Innovation Team will reach out to those interested to confirm their availability and alignment with the program. Participation is only confirmed after applicants and their supervisors sign the participation agreement. 

Contact: 

For additional information or questions, email datateam@cityofmadison.com. 

Future Cohorts (Tentative)

2026.2: Applications open in May 2025; cohort will run from July to September 2026

2027.1: Applications open in December 2026; cohort will run from January to March 2027