What is the Cradle-to-Career Data System?
The Cradle-to-Career Data System is California’s first ever statewide longitudinal data system that links existing education, training, workforce and financial aid into one easily accessible database. The goal of the data system is to be California’s source of actionable data and research on education, economic, and health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The data system also looks to expand access to tools and services to navigate the education to employment pipeline.
The data system aims to help:
- Individuals and families to choose a career path that best suits their interests
- All students and adult learners access better education and training opportunities
- Employers and job seekers address the workforce shortage
- Advocates and policy makers move the right policies forward
The Cradle-to-Career Data System will be unique in the nation because it will deploy a three-pronged approach:
Analytical Tools
- Dashboards
- Query builder
- Fact Sheets
- Research Library
- Access to restricted data for authorized purposes
Operational Tools
- College and career planning tools and curriculum
- College eligibility monitoring tools
- Electronic transcripts
- Option to share social service history in college applications
Support tools
- Community outreach to alert intended audiences to tools
- Professional development and technical assistance to support data use
- Data quality reviews
- Public feedback loop
Learn more about the publicly available data here.
What is the status of the data system?
The State has invested $18 million in the 2021-22 State Budget to build the data system. Gov. Newsom signed legislation that formally establishes the Cradle-to-Career Data System, outlining the structure and framework, including the creation of a Governing Board.
The Board will be composed of 21 representatives from state agencies, educational organizations, including 8 members of the public that will be selected by the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, and Senate President Pro Tem. The Board will be responsible for strategic direction and implementation of the data system, including ensuring the data system is serving its intended purposes. There will also be two advisory boards: the Community Engagement Advisory Board and the Data and Tools Advisory Board. Members of each advisory board will be appointed by the Board.
After the Board is selected, they will provide an estimate on when the data system will be available for public use.