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New economy: a partnership for providing youth from West Africa with the data-driven skills required to partake in the global economy
Description/achievement of initiative

Blossom Academy accomplishes transformational outcomes through a live, cohort-based learning experience. The skills-based curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry partners and pedagogically is reflective of real-world experience. Students will be able to apply analytical knowledge and will also receive coaching in critical soft skills. The majority of this experience is delivered virtually, which enables Blossom Academy to leverage technology for quick, accurate fellow assessments. This 6-month program is intended for youth from West Africa - starting from Ghana - who wants to pursue a career in data science or launch a data-driven startup.

Implementation methodologies

In consultation with employers across industries, Blossom Academy identified a gap in skilled, available young people in the area of Data Analytics. Data Analytics came up as a job in high demand across industries and one in which competency required is clearly demonstrated. To design an effective curriculum, Blossom Academy works with select businesses to understand their data-related deficiencies. In return, business obtain access to graduates. Blossom Academy also works with educational partners, such as DataCamp, to repurpose their educational resources for their program. Blossom Academy recruits applicants with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, and software engineering. This approach - coupled with competitive peer learning, mentor-based learning, and project-based experience - contributes to sustainable capacity building in our 6-month training program. Additionally, 70% of the program is facilitated in virtual classrooms, which enables Blossom Academy to leverage technology for quick, accurate student assessments. The in-person lectures are facilitated by leading data scientists who provide knowledge support. Since Blossom Academy believes in creating self-sufficient data-driven leaders, professional readiness workshops are delivered for achieving effectiveness. Blossom Academy's business model ensures the organization remains investing in the students, which is supported by alumni services and continuous education. For this reason, Blossom Academy cultivates strategic partnerships with businesses and universities to help fulfill its mission of connecting talented young people across Africa to the global economy.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

Coordination mechanisms/governance structure

Partner(s)

Blossom Academy; DataCamp; Microsoft
Progress reports
Goal 8
8.5 - By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
3 / 2020
50 young people trained in relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, ICT skills and soft skills
Financing (in USD)
41,330 USD
Staff / Technical expertise
Our online and in-person training is made possible by committed local instructors, guest lectures, DataCamp's platform, and our industry partners.

Basic information
Time-frame: 2019-03-16 - 2020-03-31
Partners
Blossom Academy; DataCamp; Microsoft
Countries
Contact information
Jeph Acheampong, Founder & CEO, jeph@jacheampong.com
United Nations