RAPID Summer Program

• Data Science: Students will leave RAPID with a solid foundation in Data Science principles. Throughout the program, students will learn and understand statistical concepts from Descriptive Statistics to Regression and beyond. Topics addressed in out Data Science Curriculum include, but are not limited to:
  • Introduction to R/Python
  • Data Wrangling
  • Non-Parametric Testing
  • T-Test
  • ANOVA
  • Linear Regression
  • Random Forest Modeling
  • Machine Learning Models
• Programming: By the end of the program, students will learn to program independently in R and Python. They will learn programming skills that expand from Data Wrangling to building Machine Learning Models. They will also know how to use tools like Tableau to Visualize their data
• Health Equity: Students will learn an introduction to Health Equity. Students will be introduced to concepts such as social determinants of health, access to health care, intersectionality, and data ethics through weekly journals clubs and project work. Throughout the program, students will be introduced to various historical and current examples of health equity and inequity. Students will learn about data bias within health equity and how they can use their work to expand health equity in their communities, the United States, and globally through real-world examples.
• Generative AI: Within the technical world, Generative AI is becoming more and more relevant and valuable. It is important for students to learn how to properly use these tools as they enter a technical field. During RAPID, students will learn how to properly prompt and use AI as a tool and collaborator. They will also learn ethics around AI use.

• Students will work on data based research projects to showcase their statistics, programming, and visualization skills. These projects are centered around health equity and are a unique opportunity for students to put into practice what they have learned all summer. This project will culminate in a GitHub repository consisting of R scripts, literary research, and visualizations of their data. This repository will act as a portfolio for students to house their research and add to their resume! Students will present their progress during an event open to the UNC data science community and family, friends and even faculty from the students’ institutions.  Funds are available to support students to also present an academic poster at a conference. These projects are intended to be continuous, meaning students will develop skills to continue this research beyond RAPID if they choose.During their presentations, students will also present an academic poster that they can later submit to conferences. These projects are intended to be continuous, meaning students will develop skills to continue this research beyond RAPID if they choose.

• Along with their research project, students will work on an app prototype with Figma. This app will revolve around how to create a tool using Generative AI collaboratively. The apps will focus on a health equity topic. This is an opportunity for students to practically use their newly developed prompting skills and begin to think about how they can contribute to the broader health equity research.

• Applicants must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree. Students should be entering their 2nd – 4th year of their undergrad degree. We cannot accept applications from students entering their first year of college, or recent college graduates.
• RAPID requires a basic understanding of statistical concepts. While we strive to accept students with diverse academic backgrounds, we do not want to do a disservice to students without a solid mathematics background. RAPID is a fast paced program that requires a general understanding of mathematical concepts, therefore, it is impossible for students with no mathematical knowledge to achieve the level of success in our program that we wish for all of our students.
  • We require that students are pursuing a STEM major
  • We recommend that students have taken an introductory statistics course
  • If you have not taken statistics, we recommend that you have taken one undergraduate level mathematics course
• If you are questioning whether you have the right skill set to be a promising applicant, feel free to contact the Program Coordinator directly

• Click here to apply!
• Applications are due March 14th at 5pm est
• Along with the application, we require one Recommendation Letter to be submitted by the application date. Submit one recommendation letter from an instructor to adgriff@unc.edu

• When are applications due?
  • Applications are due March 14th at 5pm est
• When will I receive an admissions decision?
  • Decisions will be released by end of March
• Where will I live during the program?
  • RAPID students stay on UNC Chapel Hill’s campus for the duration of the program. Student housing is conveniently located to many dining options
• Can I bring my car?
  • Yes! Students can bring their cars. they will need to notify the program coordinator if they would like a parking pass. If student do not have a car, Chapel Hill transit is a safe and reliable option that is often more convenient than driving!
• Can i join the program remotely?
  • Class is held daily on Campus. remote participation is not prohibited. RAPID is a collaborative environment where students learn from their peers and instructors. This type of program cannot be taught remotely
• What is the tuition for this program?
  • There is no tuition for RAPID. Students receive a $2000 stipend for summer expenses. CHIP covers the cost of housing and Tuition. the Stipend is intended to provide financial support for everyday living expenses throughout the program
• What is the daily schedule?
  • Classes are in-person from Monday- Friday from 9am to 5pm with lectures ending at 3:30pm
  • M-Th are teaching days, Fridays are field trip/ Guest lecture days

For any questions, please contact Program Coordinator, Addie Griffin, at adgriff@unc.edu