Duquesne University’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business is proud to announce the Third Annual Data for Difference Making Challenge (DDMC).
Graduate students across Duquesne’s ten colleges and schools are invited to apply to participate in the challenge from October 17 through October 21, 2025. Applications are due Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
DDMC offers Duquesne's graduate students the opportunity to develop data-driven solutions that address societal challenges. Students will bring their creativity, ingenuity, and intelligence to bear on the challenge, working in teams over five days to devise thoughtful and viable solutions.
The event is capped off with Competition Day on October 21, when teams will present to corporate guests and faculty.
Who is invited to participate?
Any current Duquesne graduate student with a desire to gain experience in problem-solving, analytics and modeling, data management, or storytelling.
What's at Stake?
DDMC serves as a gateway to the Super Analytics Challenge, a prestigious regional analytics competition. Select winners of DDMC will be invited to apply for the Super Analytics Challenge as representatives from Duquesne. The regional challenge will take place in early 2026, and support will be provided for Duquesne students who are invited to participate. In 2025, Duquesne's Jeromy Lamya (MBA'24, MS-AIM'25) represented the School of Business on the winning team.
Details and How to Apply
Student Expectations
- Participants must be available to work and collaborate with their assigned teammates on the DDMC from 12 PM on October 17—October 21, 2025 (Complete availability is not required!)
- Attend the Virtual Launch Event on October 17, 2025 from 12 to 1 P.M.
- Participate in Competition Day on Tuesday, October 21, 2024
- Commit to participate in the regional challenge if selected
Key Dates
- September 16, 2025: Application Period Begins
- October 1, 2025: Application Period Ends
- October 6, 2025: Selected Participants Notified
- October 17, 2025: Launch Event from 12–1 P.M.
- October 21, 2025: Competition Day
Prizes
$3,000 will be awarded to the winning team!
Cash awards also available for team and individual runners-up.
Application Details
Students are required to share their most recent resume.
Students must submit a fillable PDF form that asks for:
- Name
- Duquesne Email
- Mobile Phone
- Address
- Duquesne D Number
- School/College
- Degree Program
- Student Success Coach/Faculty Advisor
- Program Start Date (Mnth/Yr)
- Anticipated Graduation Date (Mnth/Yr)
- Commitment Availability
- Two Key Questions:
- What challenge faced by our community, as you define it, are you passionate about? Limited to 2000 characters (approximately 300 words)
- The UN World Commission on Environment and Development states “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” What areas of sustainability interest you and why? Limited to 2000 characters (approximately 300 words)
Apply today!
Email Sloan Spinks at spinkss1FREEDUQUESNE to receive the application.
Please note: The DDMC is for Duquesne University graduate students only.
One of the most defining moments in my journey was participating in Data for Difference Making. That experience laid the foundation for my participation in the 2025 Super Analytics Challenge. Paired with graduate students from CMU, Pitt, and WVU, my team developed the winning solution to the challenge.