EdTech Challenge: Building Decision-Ready Tools

In Partnership with New Schools for Louisiana

To get started with DevDays, complete the interest form to receive access to the application. Once submitted, the application will be sent to you automatically so you can begin developing your concept or prototype.

We encourage you to complete the form early to give yourself more time to build and refine your idea. Even if you’re unsure about competing, completing the form will help you understand the process and what’s required. All applications must be submitted by May 17.

Open to current engineering, computer science and business students at four-year Louisiana universities, and graduates of those programs within the last 12 months.

‍

The Challenge

Louisiana's education landscape is shifting. Student needs are changing. Workforce demands are evolving. New school models are growing. Yet the leaders responsible for improving outcomes, including the Louisiana Department of Education, philanthropic partners, and school operators, still lack a clear, unified picture of where gaps exist, where demand is rising, and where education pathways align with the jobs Louisiana's economy actually needs. Relevant data exists across academic performance, enrollment trends, workforce projections, and demographics. It remains fragmented and difficult to translate into decisions.

Your challenge: Design an innovative digital solution that helps stakeholders identify where need, demand, and opportunity intersect across Louisiana's K-12 education system and use those insights to inform priorities and resource allocation.

Potential solution areas include:

• Data integration platforms that combine academic, demographic, economic, and geographic data into a unified view of Louisiana's education landscape.
• Interactive dashboards or visualization tools that surface gaps in access, performance disparities, and emerging opportunities across regions and student populations.
• Predictive analytics models that forecast future demand for schools, programs, or workforce pathways based on current trends.
• Geospatial mapping tools that identify underserved areas and align them with high-potential interventions or school models.
• AI-driven insight engines that surface patterns and recommendations for policymakers and partners.
• Decision-support tools that help funders and operators prioritize investments and expansion strategies.
• Other creative approaches that transform fragmented education data into clear, actionable intelligence.

Industry Data & Insights

‍

Louisiana Department of Education School Systems Data

Statewide education data covering school performance, teacher workforce, and financials across Louisiana.

Leaders for a Better Louisiana Research

A collection of research and policy resources with data on Louisiana’s workforce, population trends, and key economic indicators.

Louisiana 2020 Census Data

Official U.S. Census data for Louisiana with detailed breakdowns of population, demographics, housing, and economic conditions.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Louisiana at a Glance Data

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Louisiana with detailed insights on employment, wages, industry breakdowns, and workforce trends.

Schools In Need of An Intervention List

‍Lists each Louisiana school needing intervention, including the urgency and the type of intervention required.

Current or Prospective Recovery School District Eligible Schools

Lists each LA school eligible for Recovery School District takeover, schools on the path to eligibility, and the extent and duration of their underperformance.

Project Submission & Deadline

The deadline to sign up and submit the project is Sunday, May 17 at 11:59 pm..