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Human Resources
Erin Hillson, Human Resources Director

Data Training Certificate Program

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2025.2 Cohort

The next Data Training Certificate Program cohort is coming up!

Enhance your data skills and solve real work problems in 12 weeks through on-demand online courses and expert guidance to tackle a data project applicable to your work.

 

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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.

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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.

 

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Cohort 2025.2 Timeline

  • Sept 1 to Sept 12 - Learn about foundational data concepts and City resources in two intro sessions and identify your applied project idea.
  • Sept 15 to Nov 14 - 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.
  • Nov 17 to Nov 21 - Present your applied project results in a closing session.

 

 

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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.

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Cost

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

 

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How do I join the Cohort?

Declare your interest by August 8

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. 

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Contact: 

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

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Future Cohorts (Tentative)

2026.1: Applications open in December 2025; cohort runs from January to March 2026

2026.2: Applications open in late Spring; cohort will run in the Summer

Additional Information

Testimonial

“I was able to immediately deploy what I learned to improve the level of service provided to my internal customer agencies.” 

Mike Quieto, Administrative Support Team, 2024.1 cohort.

Applied Project Ideas
  • Reporting of trends for decision-making
  • Automation of repetitive tasks
  • Data visualization for better communication
  • Survey results analysis for service evaluation
  • Statistical analysis for program evaluation
  • Geographical analysis of resource distribution
  • Dashboards to monitor progress

Real Applied Project Example

Housing Tracker

A dashboard built by Heather Stouder, Data Training 2024.2 Cohort participant. 

Screenshot of Madison's housing tracker, displaying population and household projections, and homes under construction.
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