To help kids gain the confidence they need to succeed, we built a literal plate for them to step up to with The Batting Lab.
Designed to combine their favorite team sport with our vast data experience, The Batting Lab was created for this exclusive group of kids to improve their understanding of data by improving their performance at bat.
How we analyzed their swings
We worked with NC State University’s softball and baseball teams to collect data on the key moments of an elite player’s swing. Then, used that data to help youth players improve their swings.
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Now that I’ve really seen data more and, like, analyzed it, I feel like I can really understand it better than I did at the beginning. Avery Age 11
Avery participated in this experience for free.
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I never thought that data would be my coach. Luis Age 11
Luis participated in this experience for free.
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It's great to see them understand and be enlightened about how data is actually all around them and can be incorporated outside of math class. Jared Dean SAS Data Scientist
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The key to making someone more confident in understanding data, all starts with value and appreciation for it. Lucy Kosturko SAS Education Initiatives Manager
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…having the data to back it up is always the most important thing. So, they understand exactly why they're trying to do what we’re asking them to do. Chris Hart NC State University Associate Head Baseball Coach
At the start of the program, only
3 out of
the 10
kids had extreme confidence
they could accurately read
charts and graphs.
By end of the program,
9 out of
the 10
kids had extreme confidence
they could accurately read
charts and graphs.
85% of executives believe data literacy will become as vital in the future as the ability to use a computer is today.*
However, today, 48% of kids don’t feel their education has given them the confidence and skills needed to step up to the plate.**
* Source: “Data Literacy: The Upskilling Evolution”
** Source: “How to close the data literacy gap to power the future world of work”
How we’re helping more kids understand data
The Data Playbook
Using the same data and methodology we used in The Batting Lab, the Data Playbook shows kids an approachable way to understand data by applying it to a sport they already know and love.
Created specifically for parents and guardians, it’s a free educational tool that uses the same lessons taught in the cage. It’s just one more way SAS is furthering our goal of giving kids the tools and confidence they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Education outreach
Curious about the other ways SAS is helping kids understand the power of data? Read about our education outreach programs. See how we’re helping the next generation of problem solvers feel confident in using data to understand the world around them.