About the data bootcamp
Are you a freelance journalist reporting on development issues? Do you wish you were doing more with data, but are not sure where to start? If that was a ‘yes’, then this bootcamp is for you!
Over the course of a 20-hour, two-week virtual bootcamp, the team at Data4Change will inspire and empower you to bring data-driven storytelling into your work.
You can expect:
- An introduction to the basics of getting data, cleaning data, analysing data and creating charts and visual stories with data
- Self-paced, step-by-step tutorials
- Live and interactive workshops
- Best practice checklists for you to keep
- A chance to meet other journalists through group games and activities
- A certificate and swag posted to you after graduation
The data bootcamp will run from Monday 18th - Friday 29th October 2021. The live sessions will take place between 13:30 and 15:30 CEST.
How much does it cost?
Tickets to attend bootcamp are normally worth €300. However, we are excited to announce that, if your application is accepted, you will receive a full scholarship and we will waive the ticket fee. There is no fee to apply for bootcamp.
Who can apply?
There are 25 spots available for this bootcamp. You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are a freelance journalist based in a country that is a member of the Council of Europe
- Report on development issues, such as health, education, human rights, climate change and gender inequality
- Are an enthusiastic beginner when it comes to data storytelling – this is an entry-level bootcamp for journalists wanting to begin their journey with data and data-driven storytelling!
- Can commit to spending 2 hours a day on bootcamp activities during the two weeks (excluding weekends)
- Have access to a stable internet connection and a laptop/desktop computer
Deadline for applications: 10 September, 24hr CEST.
Applications are now closed!
Data bootcamp in detail
Prep activities
In your own time prior to bootcamp, you will take a ‘data personality quiz’ and have a short chat with Dot, the Data4Change chatbot. The results of the quiz will give your trainers an insight into where you are at with your data skills and you will also find out which data personality type you are!
Week 1: Monday 18th to Friday 22nd October
In your first week of bootcamp you will take Data Basics. This is a step-by-step, self-study course that will give you a solid foundation in four key data skills: getting, cleaning, understanding and creating stories with data.
Along the way, you will learn how to verify data sources, analyse data in a spreadsheet and create a simple, shareable data visualisation in Datawrapper. Alongside Data Basics, you will take part in a programme of virtual games and meet-and-greets, culminating in a live workshop on how to write an elevator pitch for a data story.
Week 2: Monday 25th to Friday 29th October
In the second week of bootcamp, you will take the ‘A Chart a Day’ workshop series, where you will gain a practical introduction to making simple and elegant charts that you can’t wait to show off!
The series will introduce you to the following five key chart types: bar charts, stacked bar charts, line charts, range plots and choropleth maps. You will learn when and how to use each chart type effectively. You will also get to create, customise and download your own versions of each chart using Datawrapper.
About Data4Change
Data4Change is a London-based non-profit with a global network of creative talent collaborating at the intersection of data, design, technology and journalism on projects that forge real change and have lasting impact.
Deadline for applications: 10 September, 24hr CEST.
Applications are now closed!