CT Data Collaborative

We’re grateful for the continued support of Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and his commitment to uplifting Hartford youth through the Hartford Youth Data Fellows program. During our May 7 Data Walk, he spoke directly to the fellows about the importance of data-driven leadership and the power of youth voices in shaping Hartford’s future.

"Data is so deeply a part of our vision in trying to build the city that I think every resident deserves. In fact, when I became mayor, we created a program to start tracking the goals of our department with data. There was no consistent program across city government to do that, to articulate what our goals were and whether we were achieving them year after year if we were actually advancing the ball in a data-driven way," shared Mayor Arulampalam. "I just want you all to know this is not just a project, this is not just something you were learning, it is something that sets you far apart from many of the policymakers that you're speaking to. Your voices matter, your thoughts and analysis of our challenges matter, and I hope that you take these projects that you've done and use them to create change because we need it so much here in our capital city."

Like us, he was inspired by the fellows’ powerful projects and the thoughtful research they developed on issues impacting their communities. Their work is a reminder of what’s possible when young people have the tools, support, and platform to lead with data.

Learn more about the Hartford Youth Data Fellows program at: ctdata.org/hartfordyouth

We are currently accepting session proposals for our 2026 CTData Conference taking place this December. We’re looking for presentations, workshops, and discussions ranging from 15 to 60 minutes in length that highlight innovative data practices, community-centered research, and practical tools that advance equity and informed decision-making across Connecticut.

🗓 Proposal deadline: Wednesday, July 1

This year’s theme centers on strengthening Connecticut’s data ecosystem at a time when access to reliable federal data is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Submit your proposal online at bit.ly/RFP-2026

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re highlighting our Connecticut Asian and Pacific Islander Ethnicities Map Dashboard, an interactive tool that explores the rich diversity of AAPI communities across the state.

According to the 2020 Census, Hartford County is home to the largest Asian and Pacific Islander population in our state, but AAPI communities continue to shape and strengthen every corner of our state. Through detailed demographic data and interactive mapping, this dashboard offers a deeper look at the histories, identities, and communities that make up Connecticut’s AAPI population.

Developed in collaboration with Jason Chang, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut, this project helps make data more accessible, visible, and meaningful for communities, advocates, and organizers alike.

Explore the dashboard today: ctdata.org/aapi

There's still time to join us virtually today at 11:30am for a timely conversation with Connecticut data practitioners working toward more equitable, community-centered data practices.

We’ll hear about real, in-progress projects, including the Hartford Youth Data program, where Hartford youth design and lead their own research, and the Hartford Votes-Hartford Vota Coalition work to better understand civic engagement and voting in Hartford.

Register here: https://heyor.ca/ntoRzb

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Hartford Youth Data Fellows presentation and community conversation!

Our 2026 Hartford Youth Data Fellows and Youth Researchers shared powerful findings on the issues impacting Hartford residents most, including education equity, housing conditions, homeownership, and access to sports and recreation.

Over the past several months, these young leaders dedicated their time to building data skills, conducting community-based research, and uplifting the experiences of Hartford residents. Their insights and commitment to community driven change made this event incredibly meaningful.

Special thanks to all who donated in support of the Hartford Youth Data Fellowship program and helped invest in the next generation of community researchers and advocates.

Earlier this year, our conversation on community-based research left people wanting to dig deeper, so we’re continuing the discussion.

Join us on Tuesday, May 19, for our virtual convening from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM as we explore what it really means to involve community members in research in ways that are genuine, collaborative, and not extractive.

We’ll hear about real, in-progress projects, including the Hartford Youth Data program, where Hartford youth design and lead their own research, and the Hartford Votes/Votas Coalition’s work to better understand civic engagement and voting in Hartford.

This is the first part of an ongoing conversation, and all are encouraged to join.

Register: https://heyor.ca/ntoRzb

Data moves at the speed of trust.

Watch “Plenary: Scaling Evidence Across Borders: Trust, Governance, and Data Infrastructure,” featuring leaders from across the country, including our own Geethika Fernando, Data & Community Engagement Manager at CT Data Collaborative.

This panel explores what it really takes to responsibly share and use data across institutions, from governance and standards to the infrastructure and relationships needed to make it all work.

Learn more: https://heyor.ca/r54otK

Join us this Thursday at the Library in Downtown Hartford (500 Main St.) for our 2026 Data Walk!

Together, we'll join our Hartford Youth Data Fellows and Youth Researchers present their findings on education equity, housing conditions, homeownership, and access to sports & recreation.

Light refreshments will be served. FREE event, though donations are always welcomed and appreciated (all proceeds support the fellowship program).

Register at: bit.ly/HYDataWalk