By: Mary Kate Cruz Jones
At the February 25, 2026 Governing Board (Board) meeting, the Board approved moving from an annual recruitment process to a three-year cohort model for the selection of Advisory Board members. This change will foster more effectiveness, efficiency, and engagement. This blog provides an overview of the changes to the selection process, why these changes matter, and the value of being an Advisory Board member.
Why Do These Changes Matter?
#1: Effectiveness
The three-year cohort model strengthens effectiveness as it promotes relationship-building, shared experiences, and learning opportunities which enables the Advisory Board cohort to begin with the same context and foundation. This will be accomplished as all 16 members will be recruited together, thus building a board community, allowing members to grow and mature together during their tenure, and being able to lean on the train-the-trainer model, which the Office hopes to implement prior to 2028.
The train-the-trainer model will be incorporated into the onboarding curriculum, preparing Advisory Board members from the beginning to be a C2C ambassador.
#2: Efficiency
As there will no longer be annual recruitments or offboarding, this model improves efficiency, streamlining the operational workload for both the Board and the Office. With increased capacity, this allows for C2C staff to be agile and responsive for other strategic initiatives.
#3: Engagement
A three-year cohort model will allow members to develop shared foundational knowledge and grow together at a consistent pace, fostering a comfortable environment for engagement. Additionally, the new timeline for recruitment intends to mirror the traditional academic calendar in effort to encourage student application.
What Does this Change Mean?
The final set of Advisory Board members appointed by the Board via the annual recruitment model will conclude their terms in August 2028. In preparation for the completion of those terms, the recruit process will begin looking to fill 32 Advisory Board member vacancies. The applicants selected will serve from 2028 through 2031.
Why Apply?
Many former and current Advisory Board members have shared that serving as a C2C Advisory Board member was a unique experience and an opportunity to make a direct impact for the people of California.
“As a lifelong educator and local practitioner, it has been an honor to serve on the [DTAB]. Contributing to the development of systems, tools, and programs that empower data-informed decision-making is a responsibility I’ve valued deeply.”
Jason Borgen, Former Advisory Board Member
“Working to ensure data for action, advocacy, and advancement toward a better future for our children, the honor was all mine, C2C. Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the inaugural [DTAB] and to support this innovative, inspirational, and increasingly important work.”
Regan Foust, PhD, Former Advisory Board Member
“Being part of the foundation of [C2C] allowed me to see – clearly and up close – the power of collaboration across sectors … I encourage others to put on the lens of possibility, adjust their focus to what’s ahead, and keep their eyes on the future we can create – together.”
Jackie Nevarez, Former Advisory Board Member
As California’s statewide longitudinal data system brings together information on education, social services, and employment, C2C’s Advisory Boards are composed of individuals with a wide range of experiences and specializations. Advisory Board members have unique opportunities to leverage their subject matter expertise and voice to provide input to the Office and the Board on C2C’s work, including data tools and community engagement efforts. In addition, Advisory Board members have the opportunity to build strong, professional relationships through close collaboration in public meetings and community engagement efforts.
To learn more about whether serving as a C2C Advisory Board member is right for you, please join us at a public meeting.
New Selection for Advisory Boards Webpage
The Office is excited to announce the launch of a redesigned Selection for Advisory Boards webpage to share selection criteria, member expectations, responsibilities, and available resources. To better support transparency and accessibility for the public, the new design focuses on user-friendly and intuitive features, including clearer organization and more direct language.