The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of undergraduate students enrolled at HBCUs so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. This project will contribute to the national needs by diversifying and expanding the STEM workforce and strengthening U.S. innovation and competitiveness by addressing critical data science and bioinformatics skill gaps essential to public health, economic growth, and national resilience. With the rapid advancement of technologies across STEM fields, including natural sciences, biomedicine, and public health, these disciplines have become increasingly data-intensive. However, many undergraduate STEM programs lack integrated training in bioinformatics and data science, leaving students underprepared for a data-driven workforce. To address this gap, Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU will establish The DataSmiths Initiative, a comprehensive year-long program designed to immerse underserved STEM undergraduates in analytical and computational methods. Through a combination of seminar series, hands-on boot camps, structured peer mentorship, and data-intensive research experiences, students will develop the skills and confidence needed for success in graduate study and co