News

31 Mar 2026

Coleridge’s 6th Annual National Conference Centers on the Importance of Collaboration Across Borders

Building Connections to Bridge Divides and Accelerate Decision-Making WASHINGTON, DC, March 31, 2026 — Coleridge hosted its 6th Annual National Conference in Arlington, VA, from March 24-27. The event convened 250 data experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from 39 states and multiple Federal agencies to explore the transformative power of administrative data in shaping public policy. This year’s theme, Data Beyond Borders, focused on the importance of collaborating across agencies, institutions, and sectors to build an interconnected infrastructure that makes data more actionable and impactful. “The theme of this year’s conference, Data Beyond Borders, captures something essential: data is at the center of everything, including AI,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of Coleridge. “Yet, that data must be connected to result in true collaboration and impact. Policy decisions drawn from linked datasets are clearer and more powerful when borders are crossed, both literal and figurative.” In the opening plenary, moderated by Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s, panelists David Wilcox (Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics and Director of US economic research at Bloomberg Economics), Cami Feek (Commissioner for the Employment Security Department (ESD) in Washington State), and Chris Kurz (Assistant Director at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) shared insights on the current state of statistics, data, and AI in the U.S.  Rob Santos, the 26th Director of the U.S Census Bureau, moderated the subsequent plenary with Robert McGough (Chief Data Officer for the state of Arkansas), Erica Groshen (the 14th Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and Dominique Duval-Diop (Deputy Chief Data Officer and Acting Chief Data Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce). The panel of Federal and state data luminaries shared practical strategies for strengthening the evidence ecosystem to move toward impact.  The conference brought together a wide-reaching community, with rising participation from academic institutions, nonprofit partners, and local education agencies, alongside returning partners from state and Federal government. Together, the group built new connections and networks to strengthen learning and enable meaningful policy impact. ​​The conference underscored the importance of cross-organizational collaboration and advanced data integration strategies in driving meaningful impact. Discussions included: The State of Statistics, Data, and AI in the United States Infrastructure, Governance, and Tools Turn Data into Public Value Building AI-Ready Data and Secure Enclaves Administrative Data for Agile Evidence Building Designing Effective Education-to-Workforce Data Systems View the full Conference agenda The Data Champion of the Year Award for 2026 was presented to the state of New Jersey and accepted by Stephanie Walsh, Assistant Director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, and Lesley Hirsch, Assistant Commissioner for Research & Information at the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Each year, the Award recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing data-driven innovation in the public sector.  “It's an honor to receive this recognition from Coleridge. The key to New Jersey's achievement is our partnership model—among the agencies who collaborate to govern the New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS) and with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers," said Hirsch. “We are grateful to Coleridge for the opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn, and are inspired by the work of the other states and their partners. Finally, we hope our experience offers proof that our day-to-day efforts can have a real impact on the people we all serve.” About Coleridge Coleridge is a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. Coleridge provides agencies with the opportunity to enhance their data literacy and collaborate within and across states to develop new technologies through the secure access and sharing of confidential microdata. Coleridge provides secure data enclave services to a diverse range of clients, including state government agencies, several federal agencies, and local governments, through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The ADRF is a FedRAMP-authorized cloud-based platform that enables government agencies to link their longitudinal data with other states and agencies. To learn more, visit www.coleridge.us. Media contact: Nick Obourn, nick.obourn@coleridge.us

07 Apr 2026

From Silos to Systems: How Integrated Data Can Transform K-12 and Beyond

When discussions around education take place these days, it’s often through the myopic lens that it’s a singular, coherent system. As a result, conversations around ways to improve or change it lack the insight and ability to make meaningful, sustained progress. The reality is that early childhood programs, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, workforce development agencies, and social services all shape how students learn, grow, and enter the workforce. And students’ paths through them are rarely uniform. When a student graduates high school and goes straight into the workforce, then a talent development program, then back again – or goes on to community college and then a four-year university – their arc is nearly untraceable to states monitoring the progress of education programs within their borders. These systems rarely talk to each other. The data they generate sits in separate repositories, maintained by separate agencies, governed by separate rules – creating blind spots at the very moments when clear visibility matters most. Today’s learners move across what is often described as a P20W ecosystem—spanning preschool, K-12, postsecondary education, and the workforce. Their journeys are not linear pipelines but dynamic, iterative pathways shaped by changing economic conditions and personal circumstances. Without integrated data across these systems, states are effectively making decisions about education and workforce investments without visibility into how talent actually develops over time. This fragmentation carries real consequences. Educators spend valuable time reconciling information across platforms rather than supporting students. Policymakers make funding decisions without a complete picture of how people move through education and into careers. And early warning signals that could trigger timely interventions arrive too late to make a difference. More importantly, the challenge is not just about having better data. It is about having it soon enough to matter. Disconnected systems produce insights that are often delayed, limiting the ability to act when it counts. Integrated data systems, on the other hand, create the conditions for near real-time visibility, allowing educators, agencies, and policymakers to identify risks and intervene while outcomes are still being shaped, not after the fact. In our recent white paper, Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions for Integrated Data Systems: An Adaptable Roadmap to Data Integration and Use to Support K-12 Education and Beyond, we lay out a framework for how states and agencies can overcome these barriers and build data systems that work across the full education and workforce continuum. One of the paper’s central findings is that integrated data systems enable a fundamental shift: moving from measuring indicators to measuring actual outcomes. Today, many states evaluate college-readiness programs by looking at test scores or intention surveys. But a test score is a proxy – it doesn’t tell you whether a student actually enrolled in postsecondary education or secured a quality job. When K-12 data is linked to enrollment records and workforce outcomes, leaders can see what’s really happening and direct resources toward what’s really working. This transformation does not require starting from scratch. States are at different stages of maturity, and progress is often non-linear. The roadmap outlined in the paper identifies five phases of development—from planning and design through implementation, scaling, and long-term sustainability—offering a practical structure for moving forward while adapting to each state’s context and capacity. Critically, our roadmap is designed to meet states wherever they are. Whether just beginning to address data silos or refining an already sophisticated system, the paper outlines five phases of development – from planning and assessment through sustainability and enhancement – along with practical guidance on data standards, privacy and security frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and governance structures that survive leadership transitions. Integration doesn’t require starting from nothing. It requires a clear, adaptable plan and the commitment to execute. The paper also looks ahead to what emerging technologies mean for the future of education and work.  As data infrastructure matures, artificial intelligence and machine learning hold the potential to unlock real-time insights, predictive analytics, and more personalized learning experiences. But these capabilities depend entirely on a sound, connected data foundation.  At the same time, expanding the use of data—particularly in an era increasingly shaped by AI—raises critical questions about privacy, governance, and trust. Integrated systems must be built on privacy-first frameworks, with clear access controls, strong security protocols, and shared governance models that ensure data is used responsibly. Without that foundation, the promise of advanced analytics will remain out of reach. Without integrated systems, advanced analytics remain aspirational. But with them, states can move from reactive decision-making to proactive, data-driven strategies that improve outcomes for students and communities. Integrated data systems are not just a technical upgrade, they represent a transformative opportunity to align education with the realities of the labor market and the needs of the people these systems serve. And as we chart a course that ensures public dollars create real outcomes, the question isn’t “can we build a system that looks holistically across education?” It’s “how quickly can we build the foundation to turn what we already know into better outcomes?” We also know the urgency is only increasing. As public resources tighten and the pace of economic and technological change accelerates, states can no longer afford to make decisions without a full view of how people move through education and into work. Read White Paper

31 Mar 2026

Coleridge’s 6th Annual National Conference Centers on the Importance of Collaboration Across Borders

Building Connections to Bridge Divides and Accelerate Decision-Making WASHINGTON, DC, March 31, 2026 — Coleridge hosted its 6th Annual National Conference in Arlington, VA, from March 24-27. The event convened 250 data experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from 39 states and multiple Federal agencies to explore the transformative power of administrative data in shaping public policy. This year’s theme, Data Beyond Borders, focused on the importance of collaborating across agencies, institutions, and sectors to build an interconnected infrastructure that makes data more actionable and impactful. “The theme of this year’s conference, Data Beyond Borders, captures something essential: data is at the center of everything, including AI,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of Coleridge. “Yet, that data must be connected to result in true collaboration and impact. Policy decisions drawn from linked datasets are clearer and more powerful when borders are crossed, both literal and figurative.” In the opening plenary, moderated by Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s, panelists David Wilcox (Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics and Director of US economic research at Bloomberg Economics), Cami Feek (Commissioner for the Employment Security Department (ESD) in Washington State), and Chris Kurz (Assistant Director at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) shared insights on the current state of statistics, data, and AI in the U.S.  Rob Santos, the 26th Director of the U.S Census Bureau, moderated the subsequent plenary with Robert McGough (Chief Data Officer for the state of Arkansas), Erica Groshen (the 14th Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and Dominique Duval-Diop (Deputy Chief Data Officer and Acting Chief Data Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce). The panel of Federal and state data luminaries shared practical strategies for strengthening the evidence ecosystem to move toward impact.  The conference brought together a wide-reaching community, with rising participation from academic institutions, nonprofit partners, and local education agencies, alongside returning partners from state and Federal government. Together, the group built new connections and networks to strengthen learning and enable meaningful policy impact. ​​The conference underscored the importance of cross-organizational collaboration and advanced data integration strategies in driving meaningful impact. Discussions included: The State of Statistics, Data, and AI in the United States Infrastructure, Governance, and Tools Turn Data into Public Value Building AI-Ready Data and Secure Enclaves Administrative Data for Agile Evidence Building Designing Effective Education-to-Workforce Data Systems View the full Conference agenda The Data Champion of the Year Award for 2026 was presented to the state of New Jersey and accepted by Stephanie Walsh, Assistant Director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, and Lesley Hirsch, Assistant Commissioner for Research & Information at the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Each year, the Award recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing data-driven innovation in the public sector.  “It's an honor to receive this recognition from Coleridge. The key to New Jersey's achievement is our partnership model—among the agencies who collaborate to govern the New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS) and with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers," said Hirsch. “We are grateful to Coleridge for the opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn, and are inspired by the work of the other states and their partners. Finally, we hope our experience offers proof that our day-to-day efforts can have a real impact on the people we all serve.” About Coleridge Coleridge is a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. Coleridge provides agencies with the opportunity to enhance their data literacy and collaborate within and across states to develop new technologies through the secure access and sharing of confidential microdata. Coleridge provides secure data enclave services to a diverse range of clients, including state government agencies, several federal agencies, and local governments, through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The ADRF is a FedRAMP-authorized cloud-based platform that enables government agencies to link their longitudinal data with other states and agencies. To learn more, visit www.coleridge.us. Media contact: Nick Obourn, nick.obourn@coleridge.us

12 Mar 2026

Coleridge Awarded $4.3 Million Grant from Ascendium Education Group to Strengthen Cross-State Education-to-Workforce Data Infrastructure

The Four-Year Initiative Will Integrate Postsecondary and Workforce Data Across States to Improve Transitions and Advance Economic Mobility WASHINGTON, DC, March 12, 2026 — Coleridge today announced it has been awarded a $4.3 million, four-year grant from Ascendium Education Group to lead a multi-state initiative designed to strengthen cross-state education-to-workforce linkages. The project will build a scalable, standards-based data infrastructure that enables states to securely integrate postsecondary and workforce data to better support learners navigating transitions into sustainable and more meaningful employment. Despite growing demand for data-driven workforce strategies, many states face technical, legal, and governance barriers that limit their ability to link education and workforce systems across agencies, let alone across state lines. The new initiative will establish the infrastructure, agreements, applied learning models, and tools necessary to overcome those barriers and create a regional multi-state integrated data system within Coleridge’s Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). “Learners increasingly cross state lines to pursue education and employment, yet our data systems often stop at those borders,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of Coleridge. “With Ascendium’s support, we will work alongside state partners to build a secure, scalable model for integrating postsecondary and workforce data across states and therefore strengthening transitions for those in communities, informing and accelerating policy decisions, and expanding opportunity.” The initiative will establish regional convenings and state-specific readiness assessments to evaluate existing data infrastructure maturity and legal frameworks for cross-agency and cross-state sharing. Over the course of the project, Coleridge and state partners will develop and implement a standards-based, scalable infrastructure connecting administrative data across states. Participating teams will operate in applied learning cohorts and benefit from the development of tailored data products, including dashboards, reports, and policy analysis to address critical education-to-workforce policy questions. “Clearer insights into how education connects to employment are essential for strengthening pathways to economic mobility,” said Carol Rava, Vice President of Education Grantmaking at Ascendium. “We are confident in Coleridge's capacity and proven leadership to help states develop the tools and infrastructure needed to better understand outcomes and improve transitions from postsecondary education into the workforce.” About Coleridge Coleridge is a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. Coleridge provides agencies with the opportunity to enhance their data literacy and collaborate within and across states to develop new technologies through secure access and sharing of confidential microdata. Coleridge provides secure data enclave services to a diverse range of clients, including 24 state government agencies and several federal agencies, through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The ADRF is a FedRAMP-authorized cloud-based platform that enables government agencies to link their longitudinal data with other states and agencies. To learn more, visit www.coleridge.us. Media Contact: Nick Obourn, nick.obourn@coleridge.us

24 Feb 2026

Coleridge Announces Inaugural Technology Advisory Board

New Advisory Board Strengthens Coleridge’s Leadership in Secure Data Infrastructure, AI, and Digital Modernization WASHINGTON, DC, February 24, 2026–Coleridge today announced the formation of its inaugural Technology Advisory Board, appointing three distinguished leaders in digital government, cybersecurity, and large-scale engineering: David Eaves, Associate Professor in Digital Government at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose; Max Everett, Chief Information Security Officer at Shaw Industries and former Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy; and David Carrico, Engineering Manager at Meta and veteran technical leader. The creation of the Technology Advisory Board marks a significant step in Coleridge’s continued evolution in digital innovation, thought leadership, and technical expertise. The new board will provide strategic guidance on secure system architecture, AI integration, digital modernization, and the governance of public-sector data systems. “Coleridge is entering a new phase as we embed AI and advanced digital capabilities into secure public-sector research environments,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of Coleridge. “David, Max, and David bring extraordinary depth across digital government, cybersecurity risk management, and engineering with globally successful organizations. Their insights will help ensure that our technological advancements are guided by deep knowledge and that our ADRF infrastructure remains secure, modern, and aligned with the evolving expectations of federal, state and local  government partners.” David Eaves is Co-Deputy Director and Associate Professor in Digital Government at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, where he specializes in digital-era public administration and the governance of digital public infrastructure. A global expert in digital transformation, he has advised governments in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, and Canada. He co-founded Teaching Public Service in a Digital Age and established the Digital Public Infrastructure Map, now a widely used resource among researchers, donors, and development institutions worldwide. Read David Eaves Full Biography. Max Everett is a nationally recognized IT modernization and cybersecurity risk leader. Currently Chief Information Security Officer at Shaw Industries, he previously served as Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy, where he accelerated cybersecurity risk management, led cloud migration efforts, and developed a Department-wide Cybersecurity Strategy. His experience includes serving as CIO for the White House and holding senior leadership roles across multiple federal agencies. Read Max Everett Full Biography.  David Carrico is an accomplished engineering executive with more than 25 years of experience building distributed systems and mobile platforms at scale. As an Engineering Manager at Meta, he leads teams within the Instagram Professional ecosystem overseeing systems that manage over 50 million queries per second. His leadership includes the launch of major consumer platforms and large-scale developer efficiency programs. A combat veteran and former Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard, he brings operational discipline and strategic scale to engineering leadership. Read David Carrico Full Biography. “The formation of our Technology Advisory Board strengthens Coleridge’s ability to build secure, scalable systems that meet the evolving needs of government partners,” said Rich Ferguson, Chief Technology Officer at Coleridge. “As we advance AI capabilities within the ADRF and continue modernizing our platform, this group’s expertise in world class AI  engineering, zero trust cyber security, and public sector innovation will help ensure our technology remains resilient, compliant, and built for impact.” View the Full Technology Advisory Board About Coleridge Coleridge is a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. Coleridge provides agencies with the opportunity to enhance their data literacy and collaborate within and across states to develop new technologies through secure access and sharing of confidential microdata. Coleridge provides secure data enclave services to a diverse range of clients, including 24 state government agencies and several federal agencies, through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The ADRF is a FedRAMP-authorized cloud-based platform that enables government agencies to link their longitudinal data with other states and agencies. To learn more, visit www.coleridge.us. Media Contact: Nick Obourn, nick.obourn@coleridge.us

10 Feb 2026

Launching The Data Link: Connecting Data, Insight, and Impact

Fresh off the unveiling of our new branding and look, we are excited to launch The Data Link, Coleridge’s new LinkedIn newsletter dedicated to exploring the many ways that data is being used more effectively to inform government decision-making. The Data Link is designed for public-sector leaders, researchers, and partners who are navigating complex policy challenges and looking for practical, forward-looking ideas on how data can accelerate insight and impact. Each month, The Data Link will feature thought leadership and cutting-edge perspectives on the responsible use of data within government agencies and partners. We’ll spotlight emerging practices, lessons from the field, and real-world examples of how innovators are linking data, building capacity, and strengthening governance to make better decisions. Our goal is not just to describe what’s possible, but to highlight what’s working, what’s scalable, and what others can learn. We invite you to subscribe to The Data Link on Linkedin and join the conversation by commenting and sharing your own perspectives. Whether you are shaping policy, building data infrastructure, or translating insight into action, we hope this newsletter becomes a valuable resource and a place to stay connected to the ideas shaping the future of data-driven government and the economy. Subscribe to The Data Link

05 Feb 2026

Introducing Coleridge: Data for Impact

As we celebrate our fifth year as an organization, we’re excited to share an important evolution in our growth. The Coleridge Initiative is now Coleridge, paired with a new tagline that reflects our purpose and direction: Data for Impact. We also got a new look, updating our logo and branding with our new name. The updated visual identity and name is connected to our past but refined for the future and the changes mark a milestone as we move from an emerging organization to a trusted, national partner helping governments use data more effectively to inform public decision-making. When Coleridge was founded, the word “Initiative” reflected our early-stage focus: building momentum, piloting new approaches, and proving what was possible. Five years later, our work has matured. Our secure data platform, the ADRF, is widely known for its innovative infrastructure and Coleridge maintains long-term state and federal partnerships through training and advisory support for public-sector agencies leveraging data to improve outcomes for people and communities.  The new tagline, Data for Impact, captures a core belief that guides our work: data is not the end goal, it is the means to reach impact. Whether through secure data infrastructure, ADA training courses, or cross-state collaboration, Coleridge exists to ensure data leads to better decisions and real-world results for governments and partners. What hasn’t changed is our mission and our vision. We remain deeply committed to responsible and trusted data use, strong governance, and building capacity within government. As Coleridge, we’re excited to continue this work to partner with agencies, researchers, and leaders nationwide to ensure data is used not just securely, but meaningfully.

13 Jan 2026

Coleridge Initiative Announces Three New Members to Board of Directors

New Appointments Deepen Coleridge’s Expertise in Data Analytics, Economic Policy, and Organizational Governance. WASHINGTON, DC, January 13, 2026 — The Coleridge Initiative today announced the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Rinku Bhattacharya, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle, New York; Brian M. Morgan, Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning and Chief Data Officer at Marshall University; and David Wilcox, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Director of U.S. Economic Research at Bloomberg Economics. Together, they bring decades of experience spanning data analytics and institutional research, economic policy and federal statistical leadership, and nonprofit financial governance. These appointments expand the Board’s depth of expertise across key pillars of Coleridge’s mission to build secure data systems and accelerate the use of data by governments, researchers, and institutions nationwide. “Coleridge is entering a pivotal phase as we deepen our role in building the national data infrastructure that agencies rely on to make informed, data-driven decisions,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of Coleridge Initiative. “Brian, David, and Rinku each bring a unique combination of technical depth, policy experience, and governance leadership. Their perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to scale secure data access, strengthen cross-state collaboration, and translate data into real-world impact.” Rinku Bhattacharya is Chief Financial and Operating Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle, bringing more than 25 years of experience in financial management, compliance, and operational leadership within highly regulated nonprofit organizations. She also serves on multiple nonprofit governing boards and teaches management accounting and business strategy as an adjunct professor. Read Rinku Bhattacharya’s full biography. Brian M. Morgan is Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning and Chief Data Officer at Marshall University, where he leads enterprise data strategy, analytics modernization, and data governance. With more than two decades of experience in higher education analytics and administration, he is widely recognized for translating complex data into actionable insights. Read Brian Morgan’s full biography. David Wilcox is a Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Director of U.S. Economic Research at Bloomberg Economics. He previously served in senior leadership roles at the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Treasury Department, and chaired the Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee, advising federal statistical agencies on methodology and data quality. Read David Wilcox’s full biography. “These new Board members add extraordinary breadth and credibility to Coleridge’s leadership at a moment of growing national demand for trusted and responsibly-governed data systems,” said Jeff Thomson, Chair of the Coleridge Board of Directors. “Their collective experience across higher education, federal economic policy, and nonprofit financial operations will help guide Coleridge as we expand partnerships and ensure data is used responsibly to improve outcomes across the country.” View the Full Coleridge Board of Directors. About The Coleridge Initiative, Inc. The Coleridge Initiative is a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. Coleridge provides agencies with the opportunity to enhance their data literacy and collaborate within and across states to develop new technologies through secure access and sharing of confidential microdata. Coleridge provides secure data enclave services to a diverse range of clients, including 24 state government agencies and several federal agencies, through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The ADRF is a FedRAMP-authorized cloud-based platform that enables government agencies to link their longitudinal data with other states and agencies. To learn more, visit www.coleridgeinitiative.org. Media Contact: Nick Obourn, nick.obourn@coleridgeinitiative.org

18 Dec 2025

Sponsor the 2026 Coleridge Annual National Conference

As a trusted partner in data infrastructure, Coleridge works with state and federal agencies to support data-driven decision-making and help accelerate measurable policy and program outcomes. Our Annual National Conference is the premier event for individuals advancing data for the public good. It convenes nearly 300 leaders, including policymakers, researchers, and philanthropic changemakers who are innovating data for the public sector. This year’s theme, Data Beyond Borders, explores how connected, secure, and privacy-preserving data systems can empower smarter decision-making across communities and agencies. By becoming a sponsor, your organization can: Showcase thought leadership to a national audience Reach and build relationships with policymakers, researchers, and innovators shaping data-driven policy and practice Demonstrate your organization's commitment to responsible, ethical, and impactful data use Help expand access to the conference by supporting student participation Support a future-focused event that drives collaboration and real-world change We invite you to join us in building the systems, standards, and skills that enable data to promote public good. View the 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus To learn more about sponsorship opportunities contact us at events@coleridgeinitiative.org.

01 Dec 2025

Coleridge Initiative Awarded Grant from ECMC Foundation to Develop Collaborative Data Network

A new grant awarded to the Coleridge Initiative from ECMC Foundation will develop a collaborative data network that seeks to enhance partnerships and improve educational, workforce, and economic outcomes in the Appalachian and Delta Regions. The nearly $750,000 grant will support the establishment of the Regional Learner Data Collaborative (RLDC), a data infrastructure which will build understanding of how learner outcomes impact economic development and labor markets in these regions. The catalyzing work will be housed within Coleridge's FedRAMP-authorized, cloud based Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). "States in the Appalachian and Delta regions bring strengths and shared opportunities to advance educational attainment and economic prosperity, even as they continue to confront long-standing regional challenges," said Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of the Coleridge Initiative. “Thanks to the generosity of ECMC Foundation, this project will bring together education and economic development leaders across state lines to create comprehensive shared ecosystems, leverage these strengths, and align labor market demand and supply.” Through the project, Coleridge will engage and facilitate development of a consortium of Appalachian and Delta states to participate in the pilot, construct a collaborative learning agenda to guide the work, detail data needed for data sharing agreements, and outline governance for sustainable infrastructure. It will also produce an implementation plan for a Regional Learner Data Collaborative with sustained governance and data use within the ADRF, and a pathway to expanding to new states in the Appalachian and Delta regions. The work will be guided by state partner input to ensure that data products are equipped to effectively guide decision making that supports learner outcomes, labor markets, and the goals of the region now and into the future.

11 Nov 2025

Training Program Outcomes: Enhancing Labor Market Insights with Jobs Data

What do job postings reveal about the evolving labor market and how can those insights be used to shape workforce programs and policies? Our two-part Enhancing Labor Market Insights with Jobs Data Applied Data Analytics (ADA) Training Program equipped over 50 participants from 25 organizations across 18 states with the skills they needed to examine those questions. We co-led the program with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) and the National Labor Exchange (NLx) Research Hub across two cohorts from October 2024 to April 2025. Advancing Data Literacy to Support Evidence-Based Decision-Making Our Enhancing Labor Market Insights with Jobs Data program began with four weeks of training in basic coding concepts and use of the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF)–our secure cloud environment for working with restricted-use data. In the 12 weeks that followed, participants learned about exploratory data analysis, record linkages, contextualizing employment demand, labor market projects, and other key topics. From Knowledge to Action: Collaborative Research Projects With access to NLx job posting data from 2015 onward, participants applied their skills through collaborative research projects that explored eight key labor market questions. Team Connecticut and Oregon: How can job postings help educators identify skills in high demand? Using 2023–2024 NLx job postings data from Connecticut and Oregon, the team built an interactive dashboard that: ·       Identifies in-demand occupations ·       Reveals top skills currently in high demand from employers using O*NET ·       Highlights active employers ·       Links directly to current job ads Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/2dtuyst8 Team Mississippi and Tennessee: How do employers adjust hiring requirements in response to worker shortages? Using 2018–2023 NLx job postings data from Mississippi and Tennessee, along with Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the team compared shifts in required education, skills, and experience across occupations and identified patterns of employer flexibility in response to labor market gaps. They also highlighted how these adjustments can inform workforce development strategies and pointed to future opportunities for deeper analysis of trends across industries and occupations. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/p6d542r6 Team New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio: How can job ads be used to measure labor demand across the economy? Using NLx job postings data, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), and the Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI), the team defined demand as the total requirement for labor and examined postings to capture employer needs for workers and specific types of work.  Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/3u4b5tv3 Team Maryland and Virginia: Which employers are driving growth in the rapidly expanding cybersecurity market and what does the demand for labor look like? The team used 2021–2024 NLx job postings data for their states and DC, Integrated Postsecondary Data System data, and the Maryland College Labor Sector and Wage Explorer to examine which: - Employers are driving the regional hiring surge - Cybersecurity roles are most in demand - Technical skills dominate job descriptions Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/yzz7de47 Team Missouri and Wisconsin: How is the labor market being reshaped by the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools? Using NLx job postings, the occupations list from Wisconsin’s Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics (OEWS), states’ employment projections data, O*NET/Standard Occupational Classification, and an “AI exposure” measure developed by the Wisconsin AI Task Force, the team compared job postings across ten high-exposure and ten low-exposure occupations to see where automation might hit hardest or barely register. They also examined shifts in demand and skills requirements, highlighting which workers are most at risk and how states can prepare for the future of work. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/ywkhd3k3 Team Colorado, Illinois, and Kentucky: How do layoffs correlate with trends in job postings? Using NLx job postings and WARN data, the team examined whether new opportunities emerge where jobs are lost, evaluated the reliability of WARN notices and other signals as early warnings, and analyzed whether displaced workers can realistically fill new job openings. Their approach sheds light on how labor market shocks ripple through the system and whether affected workers can be absorbed into new demand. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/5n77xby3 Team California and Washington: What are the most common requirements for occupations with low-barriers-to-entry and how do they differ for emerging occupations? Using NLx job postings, the team identified roles with minimal credentials that lead into fast-growing fields, revealing the first rungs on new career ladders. Their analysis highlights how these entry points shape worker mobility and guide state strategies for building inclusive pathways into the workforce. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/2d97n683 Team New York and Texas: How does labor demand line up with local labor supply across major metros? Using NLx job postings as demand and American Community Survey measures as supply, the team compared patterns by O*NET Job Zones in cities like New York and Dallas, incorporating wages to identify tight or slack markets. They revealed mismatches between who is hiring and who is available to work, and highlighted data caveats, such as geographic clustering and occupation definitions, to support smarter regional workforce planning. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/yc3pbhja