About
BetaNYC’s public programs promote education and awareness about open data and public interest technology so that individuals, organizations, and governments can transform civic society in new ways.
Since BetaNYC was founded as a Meetup in 2009, the power of digital technologies have made it easier to access and use information. With that, there is an increased demand for civic actors who can use technology and data in the public interest. The aim of our public programs is to cultivate a community of technology and data literate community practitioners. Our goal is to foster learning, collaboration, advocacy, and enhancement of civic society’s use of open data and technology.
BetaNYC’s public programs serve a wide cross-section of the public, helping individuals become practitioners, teachers, and users of public interest technology and open data. We are building a community of engaged civic actors that are equipped to respond to local needs inside and outside of government.
“New Yorkers can use this data to make informed decisions, become more engaged in their communities, solve tough problems, or turn their dreams into a reality.”
2015 NYC Open Data for All Report
Addressing civic challenges by engaging with the public and local government in technology and open data
BetaNYC has a long history of organizing hackathons, talks, classes, and conferences for NYC’s civic technology community. Today, we operate several core programs throughout the year for the public to engage with open data and technology at any stage of their civic life and career. Each aims to make engaging in civic society easier and more effective using open data and technology. Through them, we are inspiring and equipping New Yorkers to make the city a better place to live, work, and play.
All of our programs are run in partnership with government agencies, elected officials, and community-based organizations. We are invested in making sure everyone is onboard.
Our Programs
Click any of the programs below to learn more about them and start participating today.
School of Data
BetaNYC’s annual community conference invites New Yorkers to engage with the City’s technology, data and design communities.
CityCamp NYC
A community-driven unconference organized by and for tool builders, civic hackers, and community members seeking to pull apart conversations, tools, and practices.
AI 101 with BetaNYC
A workshop series designed to build confidence with today’s AI tools by showing you how to “talk” to AI to get more useful results.
Open Data Week
An annual community-driven open data festival organized and produced by the NYC Open Data Team, BetaNYC, Data Through Design.
BetaBagels
A NYC breakfast series where you can chat with government & civic leaders using tech, data, and design to bring transparency to government and improve our city.
Mapping For Equity
A civics and data literacy program that teaches the public how to see data while collecting data on New York City’s under-mapped and under-represented public spaces.
Digital Literacy & Open Data Classes
Explore open data and civic technology via virtual sessions that demonstrate how you can use publicly accessible datasets and tools to gain insight into your community.
Open Data Ambassadors
Recruits, trains, and certifies digitally literate cohorts of volunteer ambassadors to teach about NYC Open Data across New York City.
Partners and Participants
All of our programs are run in partnership with government agencies, elected officials, and community-based organizations. We are invested in making sure everyone is onboard. People from all backgrounds, abilities, and experience are invited to participate with us.
If you are interested in partnering or sponsoring a program, please contact events@beta.nyc.