New Summer Opportunity for Transfer Students

My name is Marquetta Strait, and I assist in leading transfer student initiatives at Purdue. I am writing to share a new summer opportunity, Transfer Upward @ Purdue, that may be of interest to the transfer students you support. Through Transfer Upward @ Purdue, and in collaboration with Purdue’s Data Mine, we are offering a two credit, 4-week exploratory data experience that introduces students to how data can be used to analyze problems and inform decisions across many fields.

Who is this Opportunity Designed For

This opportunity is designed for transfer students who started at another college or university after high school or their GED and later transferred to Purdue (West Lafayette or Indianapolis).

Students from any major or year are welcome, with no prior coding experience needed. This opportunity is open to transfer students at Purdue in West Lafayette and Indianapolis who plan to graduate after August 7, 2026.

Course Overview

·         TDM – 19000 – Data Mine Special Topics – CRN – 11781-003

·         July 15 – August 7, 2026 | Mon – Wed 2:15 – 4:50 PM EST (Virtual and Synchronous)

·         2-credit, 4-week course | 30 seats available

Currently, the course is not cross-listed across colleges, though we hope to explore additional opportunities for collaboration in future iterations of the initiative.

Student Investment and Opportunities

The course follows Purdue’s standard summer tuition structure, meaning students are responsible for the cost of the course. Students who successfully complete the experience will also have the option to participate in The Data Mine’s year-long Corporate Partners program as they will have a reserved seat from their summer participation, where students work on real-world challenges with companies and organizations.

In addition, students who complete the summer course and serve as ambassadors for a future cohort will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship for the Fall 2026 semester.

How Students Will be Selected and Enrolled

Students will complete an interest form to express their interest. Within the form, they are asked to include their academic advisor’s email so advisors are aware of their summer plans. Students selected for the course will be notified by the end of April, and their advisor will be copied on that communication. Selected students will be asked to complete registration by May 1st.

Please feel free to share this opportunity and the attached recruitment flyer with transfer students who may be interested in building practical, career-relevant skills this summer.

Thank you for all the work you do in supporting our transfer students, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

Best Regards, 

Marquetta Strait, Ph.D.