Behind the Decennial Census, The American Community Survey (ACS) is sent to approximately 295,000 addresses monthly (or 3.5 million per year), and it is the largest household survey that the Census Bureau administers.
The ACS regularly gathers information previously contained only in the long form of the decennial census, such as ancestry, citizenship, educational attainment, income, language proficiency, migration, disability, employment, and housing characteristics. These data are used by many public-sector, private-sector, and not-for-profit stakeholders to allocate funding, track shifting demographics, plan for emergencies, and learn about local communities.
In this session, you will gain an in-depth look at:
- The American Community Survey (ACS) and how to use it to enhance your stories
- The Importance of the American Community Survey and the Decennial Census data
- The ACS Guide — a comprehensive guide to all things ACS, covering everything from the historical origins of the ACS, to ACS subjects and data products, and data user resources like where to find more in-depth information and help.
- Citing the US Census Bureau information and data in your stories
*Note: There are no data releases associated with this training.
Presented by Noemi Mendez, Data Dissemination Specialist, and Susan Licate, MBA, Media Specialist, US Census Bureau, Philadelphia Regional Census Center
About the Presenters
Noemi Mendez has been employed by the Census Bureau for over 17 years. She has previously held the positions of Geographer and Partnership and Data Services Specialist.
Currently, as a Data Dissemination Specialist, Noemi promotes the use of census data to anyone with an interest or a need to work with this valuable information. Noemi is available for future complimentary presentations and hands-on data workshops upon request.
Susan Licate serves as the Media and Partnership Specialist and Congressional Liaison for the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia Region, a position she has held since early 2019.
She is responsible for media relations across the region’s eight states plus Washington D.C. and serves as a spokesperson for both regional and national events. Additionally, Susan manages a partnership portfolio of elected officials, local governments, organizations, and business leaders to ensure awareness, participation, and engagement for the Bureau’s 130 surveys and programs.
Susan’s career spans over 25 years leading and advising agencies, companies and non-profit organizations with their management, communications, and public relations needs.