Truist Foundation Supports Hood College’s “Data Driven Frederick” with $10,000 Grant

Hood College’s George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business is launching Data Driven Frederick, a research center that will serve to collect, aggregate, and make available vital regional indicators for the greater Frederick community via an interactive website. The Truist Foundation has provided a grant of $10,000 to support the project.

“The use of data to support the discovery of insights and to guide more informed decision making has become the critical skill for modern business,” said David Gurzick, department chair of the Delaplaine School of Business. “With the generous support of the Truist Foundation, Data Driven Frederick will guide students in the development of core data skills through servicing community organizations and the development of community-wide resources.”

Data-Driven Frederick will provide the region’s public and private decision-makers with the big data they need to make informed and fiscally responsible decisions. Hood students and faculty members will serve as researchers on community-based projects and will explore their own research questions using this extensive dataset.

Through their engagement with Data Driven Frederick, students will develop sought-after expertise in research methodology, data analytics and project management, while also honing skills critical to future professional success, such as communication, critical thinking and collaboration.

“Supporting innovation that enriches educational opportunities and serves our community is at the heart of Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Robert Tuggle, western Maryland market president for Truist, speaking on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “Data-Driven Frederick not only helps prepare students for their future, but it will also deliver insights to help local residents, businesses and governments make informed decisions that will shape the future of our community.”

About Hood College
Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering more than 25 bachelor’s degrees, four pre-professional programs, 19 master’s degrees programs, two doctorates and 10 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities.

About Truist Foundation
The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.