By: C2C Staff
We’re thrilled that Californians across the state are eager to help shape the California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C)! This year, we received 100 unique applications for 12 seats across our Data and Tools and Community Engagement Advisory Boards.
The Data and Tools and Community Engagement Advisory Boards provide input to C2C’s Governing Board to ensure the data system is creating actionable tools, and that its audiences are aware of the resources available and understand how to utilize the tools developed.
We’re proud to say that the data system is built by and for Californians. Not only do we seek community input from the public during every stage of our development, but our two Advisory Boards represent the interest of all Californians across the state. Advisory Board members serve three-year terms, with members terming out annually.
This blog clarifies the Advisory Boards selection process, where we are in the process, and what’s ahead.
Background
Each year, a third of the sitting members on Cradle-to-Career’s Data and Tools and Community Engagement Advisory Boards’ terms expire, opening new seats that must be filled. The Advisory Boards application process starts in the spring and concludes at the end of summer when new members are officially appointed. The Selection for Advisory Boards Committee (Committee) consists of members from C2C’s Governing Board. The Committee publicly meets twice during the application process to review the outreach strategy, rank, and slate applicants.
The Governing Board appoints Advisory Board members. Members are appointed as individuals based on their experience, expertise, and perspectives.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a California resident
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- Must not come from an organization that is already represented on the C2C Governing Board (see our list of governing Board members here)
The Selection for Advisory Boards Committee prioritizes the candidates based on the following criteria:
- Community affiliation (Data and Tools and Community Engagement)
- Actionable experience (Data and Tools and Community Engagement)
- Knowledge of data sets (Data and Tools)
- Knowledge of data alignment (Data and Tools)
- Experience with soliciting input and communicating concerns (Community Engagement)
- Experience with student and educator tools (Community Engagement)
Resources
- Summary of the Community Engagement Advisory Board selection process
- Summary of the Data and Tools Advisory Board selection process
- Community Engagement Advisory Board rubric
- Data and Tools Advisory Board rubric
Where we are in process
- On April 24, 2025, the Office held a virtual Community Conversation to share information about the application process and answer questions from attendees.
- The Selection for Advisory Boards Committee met on April 28, 2025 to discuss the upcoming selection process, application rubric, and outreach strategy to ensure broad awareness of the application opportunity.
- The 2025 Cradle-to-Career Advisory Boards applications opened on April 29, 2025 and closed on May 19, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.
- Cradle-to-Career accepted letters of support for applicants from April 29, 2025 to May 27, 2025*. The Committee received 54 letters of support.
- Members of the public also submitted written public comments through June 20, 2025. As with all public meetings, the Office accepts written comments up to the Friday prior to the meeting. The Committee received 51 written comments from the public.
What’s ahead
On June 27, 2025, the Selection for Advisory Boards Committee will meet to determine a slate that will be recommended for Governing Board approval.
At the August 15, 2025 Governing Board meeting, the Selection for Advisory Boards Committee will present their slating, and the Governing Board will vote to appoint the finalists to be seated.
Future opportunities to engage with C2C
We are energized by the magnitude of support from community members across the state to be part of our Advisory Boards. Only 12 out of the 100 applicants will be selected by the Governing Board, but we hope that you continue to engage with the Office as we work to develop a nation-leading longitudinal data system. You do not need to be an Advisory Board member to shape the development of the data system. We encourage you to participate in our annual public proposal process, attend our public meetings to stay involved, or spread awareness of our work online.
We thank you for your continued support!