What a year! For the California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C), 2024 was marked by unprecedented collaboration, moments of celebration, and strides in developing a nation-leading longitudinal data system. We’re sharing highlights from the past year below.
Established an Annual Data Ingestion Process
In March, C2C’s data partners successfully completed the first annual data submission. While the October 2023 data ingestion marked the first ever submission, March 2024 marked the first routine submission from partners. We are energized by our data partners’ commitment to providing Californians with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Facilitated eTranscript California and Career Passport Task Force
Over the course of six months, C2C led a Task Force focused on expanding eTranscript California and building a Career Passport. We explored how California can connect and improve existing systems to reduce administrative barriers students face when applying to college. The Task Force drafted final recommendations that informed the Governor’s Master Plan for Career Education.
Conducted extensive User-centered Design
In the past year, C2C prioritized user-centered design through public engagement. We’re building a data system for the people and believe that involving audiences throughout our development process will result in creating tools that Californians will utilize. This year, members of the public had opportunities to provide their feedback over the course of nearly 30 public meetings and community events, sharing input in real-time, and through public surveys to help shape the design and implementation of C2C’s resources.
Recognized in the Governor’s Master Plan for Career Education
Governor Newsom invited C2C’s Executive Director, Mary Ann Bates, to the unveiling of the framework for his Master Plan for Career Education, in Redding. During the press conference, the Governor acknowledged C2C’s role in integrating data at the state level and contributing to a Career Passport to demonstrate skills for hiring beyond a traditional academic setting.
Moved to Permanent Office
In August, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate our permanent office location in Sacramento. C2C centered an inclusive office design process that focused on the needs of staff and visitors to the workspace. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, we highlighted the symbolism of innovation and collaboration as we work to provide data-driven solutions for ALL Californians.
Added Department of Developmental Services to C2C Data System
In May, C2C’s Governing Board voted to approve adding the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as a new data partner. We celebrate this decision to include information about Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the data system. DDS’ integration into C2C will help provide insights into their lives, opening the door for early interventions and data-driven decision making to improve outcomes.
Added Financial Aid Data Points
We’ve expanded our data set! With the addition of financial aid data, we’ll be able to lay the groundwork for our planned dashboard on financial aid. The financial aid dashboard will provide insight on college affordability, student debt, and its impact on student outcomes. We’re excited about what our collaborative data set can contribute to policy conversations in the state, as well as decision-making for students and families.
Recognized for Unprecedented Collaboration
We are delighted to have been recognized at the 2024 California Government Innovation Summit with the ‘Best Collaboration’ award. Receiving the ‘Best Collaboration’ award affirms our commitment to breaking silos across sectors, fostering a knowledge-sharing ecosystem to enhance public service, and promoting innovative partnerships.
Spotlight: Partner Accomplishments
Expanding Access to College Planning and Application Tools
The California Cradle-to-Career Data System Act directed the data system to expand access to tools that support educators, students, and families. Through our partnership with the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI), we are supporting the scaling of CaliforniaColleges.edu, the state of California’s official web-based tool that provides specialized college and career knowledge development and planning opportunities for millions of students. In 2024, school districts serving more than two million 6th-12th grade students have partnered with CCGI, increasing the reach of CaliforniaColleges.edu by one-third over 2023.
Removing Administrative Burdens
In October, the California State University (CSU) and Riverside County Office of Education launched a pilot program to provide direct college admissions to 10 CSU campuses for eligible high school students in Riverside County. This is a testament of how connected data can reduce administrative burdens for students applying to college and improve outcomes. We celebrate this cross-sector collaboration to expand opportunities for students.
Looking Ahead: Workforce Data Task Force Meetings
C2C is working to include additional workforce data elements in the data system. In the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, we will convene a Workforce Data Task Force over the course of four months in Fiscal Year 2024-25. The Task Force will comprise of two members from the Governing Board, Data and Tools, and Community Engagement Advisory Boards, as well as community members. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!
