In summer 2021, California began creating the Cradle-to-Career System, which will be a suite of user-friendly resources focused on early learning through K-12 and higher education, as well as on the financial aid and social services that help students reach their goals. It will include:
- Planning and application tools for students, families, and educators to streamline the college and financial aid processes and monitor student progress.
- Dashboards, query tools, and an analytical data set for researchers, policymakers, educators, and community members to inform research, advocacy, and policy analysis.
- Community engagement and training to raise awareness of the data system and ensure it can be used by students, families, educators, researchers, and policymakers.
In spring 2021, the state launched the first of its kind integrated data system for people experiencing homelessness. Through this dashboard, California policymakers and the public can understand and create novel insights of people experiencing homelessness to end homelessness.