On November 14, Cradle-to-Career (C2C) held its last Governing Board meeting of 2025. The meeting included presentations and discussions on open science practices, an update on the development of the data system, an update on the Career Passport from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), and a vote to add, remove, or clarify Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) data elements in the data system.
Four Governing Board members were recently reappointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Before the start of the meeting, we were joined by Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros, who administered the oath for members Gavin Payne, Robert G. Tagorda, and Catalina Cifuentes (sworn in virtually), with member Nellum’s oath slated for 2026. Members Payne, Tagorda, Cifuentes, and Nellum have been incredible champions of Cradle-to-Career, and we look forward to their continued leadership and congratulate them again on their re-appointment.
Presentation on Open Science Practices
Kelly Bidwell, Director of Learning and Evaluation at New Practice Lab and former Director of the Office of Evaluation Sciences at the US General Services Administration provided an insightful virtual presentation on open science practices. Members shared enthusiasm at the idea of putting C2C’s transparency value into practice. Open science practices allow for more collaboration by committing to transparency and sharing what is being worked on with the public, as well as results and expectations. Open science practices help to build trust with the public.
C2C is currently developing its research request process, a mechanism that will allow users and researchers to request access to data and information needed to run complex analyses and evaluate programs. This process would allow for the sharing, and registering of data plans in the open science vein. C2C hopes to create a data repository once we have a secure data enclave that shares what requests have been made, and what requests have been approved or denied.
Livia Shmavonian, Deputy Cabinet Secretary/Senior Advisor for Workforce and Economic Development from the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom joined us in person during the open science agenda item and noted that Governor Newsom is a champion of data and evidence. “I want to emphasize what a champion the governor is for data, evidence, and science. Cradle-to-Career is a key priority of his to advance that work. C2C is in a unique position to push for that transparency.”
Update on the Office of Cradle-to-Career Data
Each C2C Governing Board meeting includes a standing agenda item for the executive director to share recent developments to the data system and ongoing key priorities. During her update, Executive Director Mary Ann Bates highlighted recent public speaking engagements involving C2C, described changes to C2C’s Advisory Boards proposal process that led to a more collaborative and efficient engagement between the Office and Advisory Board members, and outlined organization-wide goals that C2C will prioritize.
Director Bates also provided an overview of recent projects from C2C. In September, C2C released the first phase of the query builder flat files in response to researcher feedback. C2C supported the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by providing aggregated data files submitted by Cal Grant participating institutions to help CSAC understand the return on investments of CalGrants. Director Bates noted that this is the first example of data partners leveraging the data system for more efficient data sharing and we look forward to continuing supporting our data partners with actionable insights.
Lastly, Director Bates shared the status of ongoing data work such, as new CalKids data submitted by the ScholarShare Investment Board, data from the National Student Clearinghouse for California public high school graduates who enroll in out-of-state colleges or private institutions within California, and finally, movement on file specifications related to workforce data expansion.
Members reflected after Director Bates’ presentation that C2C continues to be a trusted and neutral resource of information for researchers, students, educators, and parents. Governing Board members were also excited about the first iteration of the Query Builder, with Member Meredith Lee applauding C2C’s “listen first and then build” approach being “a very important part of the ethos of community conversations.”
Agenda item four included C2C’s annual budget and legislative update, presented by C2C Director of Operations, Lesley Taylor and Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, Eric Flores.
Presentation on California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Contributions to the Cradle-to-Career Data System
We were joined by CCCCO’s John Hetts (C2C Governing Board member representing CCCCO), Jory Hadesell (Executive in Residence for Strategic Technology Initiatives), and David O’Brien (Vice Chancellor of External Relations), who provided updates on the ongoing work of Career Passport implementation. CCCCO continues to be a collaborator in this space, and has laid the groundwork needed in order to create a Career Passport that can be useful for both employers and students. CCCCO presenters acknowledged C2C’s role as a neutral source and convener of partners.
C2C’s Deputy Director of Data Programs, Judy Chan joined CCCCO to share insight on C2C’s supporting role in designing the Career Passport. In September, C2C hosted an in-person design session with cross agency partners, including representatives from the Governor’s Office, CCCCO, LWDA, California Human Resources, and the Department of Finance, to identify necessary building blocks to scale skills-based hiring.
Chan noted C2C’s priority is to ensure the voices of learners, educators, and employers who will be using eTranscript and the Career Passport are heard in the design process. C2C will continue to coordinate outreach to partners who will be involved in the work and convening design sessions with employers in priority sectors. We are grateful for CCCCO’s leadership to move the needle on expanding career opportunities across the state.
Vote to Clarify Labor and Workforce Development Agency Data Elements
Finally, the Cradle-to-Career Governing Board voted to approve that the Office add, remove, and clarify the C2C Participation Agreement workforce data elements. This move helps C2C to accurately describe California workforce experiences through its analytical tools.