5 Key Learnings from the Data Catalyst Program

At Medha, we engage with thousands of students across diverse programs that enhance their employability and personal growth. With such a wide reach, collecting, managing, and analyzing data is essential to understanding the true impact of our efforts. However, we faced significant challenges in measuring the outcomes of our direct delivery programs. Our processes for managing pre- and post-intervention data were manual, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracies, which delayed insights and limited our ability to make timely, data-driven decisions.

In August 2024, my colleague Mariam Raza and I were given the opportunity to address these challenges by participating in the second edition of the Data Catalyst Program (DCP), an initiative by Dasra in collaboration with Tech4Dev. The program is designed to help non-profits like ours identify gaps in their data systems and implement innovative solutions to build capacity. It focuses on enabling organizations to adopt evidence-based approaches for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.

With our newly acquired learnings from the DCP, we are currently in process to develop a method to automate our data processing pipeline which will improve data accuracy and enable us to make informed decisions. Read on to discover how the DCP experience has helped us refine our data practices and build a stronger foundation for measuring impact.

Key Insights from the Tech4Dev’s DCP

The Data Catalyst Program provided us with the tools and guidance to reimagine our data systems. From addressing manual inefficiencies to building an integrated ecosystem, each step reinforced the importance of leveraging data as a strategic resource.

The program not only highlighted areas for improvement but also equipped us with actionable solutions to enhance our operations and drive greater impact. Below are the key insights that emerged from our DCP experience:

1. Technology as a Catalyst for Change

One of the first challenges we identified was the reliance on manual processes for data collection and analysis. Previously, pre- and post-intervention data processing consumed significant time and resources, often leading to delays and inaccuracies. Through the DCP, we developed the strategies to automate these processes. This transition has been a game-changer, enabling us to generate real-time insights, improve data accuracy, and redirect our focus toward enhancing program delivery.

2. Iteration is Key

DCP taught us that the importance of feedback, continuous refinement and iteration. Engaging with mentors and peers allowed us to see our work from different perspectives, uncovering blind spots we might not have identified on our own. Their constructive insights challenged us to think critically, helping us refine our approach and enhance the quality of our data.

3. Collaboration Breeds Innovation

Participating in DCP allowed us to engage with experts and peers from other organizations. The collaborative environment fostered by Tech4Dev and Dasra provided us with fresh perspectives and practical solutions. Exchanging ideas and learning from the experiences of others helped us address our challenges with innovative approaches tailored to our needs.

4. Data Speaks Louder Than Words

The DCP emphasized the power of using data to tell impactful stories. When insights are grounded in data, they carry credibility and clarity. By weaving numbers and narratives together, teams can demonstrate their progress, challenges, and achievements more effectively, leading to better decision-making and stronger buy-in from stakeholders.

5. The Role of Vision in Execution

Amidst the day-to-day work and short-term priorities, the DCP reminded us to always keep our long-term goals in focus. Balancing immediate tasks with a vision for the future helps organizations stay aligned, make sustainable choices, and continue progressing toward their mission.

A New Era of Data-Driven Impact at Medha

Thanks to the learnings and breakthroughs from the Data Catalyst Program, we are now better equipped to measure the impact of our programs and make data-informed decisions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tech4Dev and Dasra for creating such a meaningful initiative and for their unwavering support throughout the program. Their expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in helping us strengthen our data practices and drive greater impact.

As we move forward, we aim to continue improving our data systems, fostering transparency, and amplifying the impact of our work. These principles are already shaping our approach to data culture helping us create a more reliable and efficient systems. The journey has just begun, and we are excited to see how these advancements will shape the future of our programs and the lives of the students we serve.

To know more of Mohil’s learnings and experience from the Data Catalyst Program, visit: https://projecttech4dev.org/reflections-from-the-dcp-lessons-learned-and-growth-achieved/