In The News

23 Jun 2025

Advancing Data For the Public Good: The Coleridge Initiative 2024 Impact Report

We are pleased to release our 2024 Impact Report, showcasing a year in which we deepened partnerships and reach with states and the federal government, expanded access to secure data, and empowered agencies with the tools and training to unlock insights for more informed policy decisions. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to public impact, Coleridge continued to deliver on its mission to help governments use data more effectively to serve people and communities. Read the 2024 Impact Report This year’s report includes our work ranging from technological upgrades in our FedRAMP-authorized Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), to new applied training offerings and data products to meet partner needs. Projects like the Arkansas Enrollment-to-Employment Dashboard and Wisconsin’s tiered access tools are examples of how secure, integrated data and project-based training can drive better decisions for education, workforce, and support services. In 2024, we achieved major milestones, such as securing a landmark $7.5 million agreement with the USDA, launching the State IMPACT Collaborative in partnership with MDRC, and hosting over 200 leaders at our Fourth Annual National Convening in Washington, DC. The report also features the powerful work of our Democratizing Our Data Challenge (DDC) program teams, whom, with funding from Coleridge Initiative and access to the ADRF, designed scalable, collaborative tools to address policy issues in their states. From creating K-12 data models in New Jersey to building unemployment-to-reemployment dashboards in Wisconsin, these projects represent the future of data innovation in public service. As we continue into 2025, our momentum is only growing and demand for high-quality and clear data is only increasing. We are proud to be shaping the future of data-driven public policy at Coleridge Initiative and we hope you enjoy the 2024 report!


01 Jul 2025

The State of Administrative Data: ADRCon 2025

On June 24-25, leaders and researchers from across the administrative data community gathered in Washington, D.C. for the first ADRCon 2025: Data for Public Good conference. Co-hosted by Georgetown University’s Massive Data Institute, Mathematica, and Northwestern University’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, ADRCon offered a powerful platform for collaboration and insight-sharing between attendees who came from academia, government, and the private sector. Coleridge Initiative CEO, Ahu Yildirmaz, joined the mainstage panel, "The Future of Administrative Data: Charting a Path Forward in Uncertain Times," alongside Richard Hendra, Director of the Center for Data Insights at MDRC and moderator, Michael Lenczner, CEO of DARO. The conversation tackled the evolving administrative data landscape, influenced by disruptions in federal data access and the emergence of state-led innovations. Yildirmaz shared how across these changes, Coleridge is helping public agencies move from fragmented systems to secure, collaborative infrastructure that delivers real-world impact. In addition to the mainstage discussion, Coleridge's Vice President of Data Enclave Operations, Jonathan Mills (pictured), presented as part of a session on infrastructure and strategy. He gave a deep dive into Coleridge's "5 Safes" framework that underpins the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF). The presentation highlighted how the ADRF platform enables security, access, and governance to facilitate multi-agency collaboration without compromising trust or compliance. The conference also featured Coleridge’s work on real-time labor market insights in a session focused on tools for public services. Using the Unemployment-to-Reemployment Portal as a case study, Yildirmaz detailed how secure, tiered-access dashboards are helping states understand unemployment trends and service gaps at a granular level and how Coleridge is working to scale these tools across additional states and geographic regions. ADRCon 2025 reaffirmed what we at Coleridge know: administrative data, when responsibly linked and thoughtfully applied, is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve public policy. This current moment is a building moment for our field. We have an opportunity and a responsibility, to create data infrastructure that is trustworthy, usable, and truly impactful across sectors. Learn more about ADRCon 2025

23 Jun 2025

Advancing Data For the Public Good: The Coleridge Initiative 2024 Impact Report

We are pleased to release our 2024 Impact Report, showcasing a year in which we deepened partnerships and reach with states and the federal government, expanded access to secure data, and empowered agencies with the tools and training to unlock insights for more informed policy decisions. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to public impact, Coleridge continued to deliver on its mission to help governments use data more effectively to serve people and communities. Read the 2024 Impact Report This year’s report includes our work ranging from technological upgrades in our FedRAMP-authorized Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), to new applied training offerings and data products to meet partner needs. Projects like the Arkansas Enrollment-to-Employment Dashboard and Wisconsin’s tiered access tools are examples of how secure, integrated data and project-based training can drive better decisions for education, workforce, and support services. In 2024, we achieved major milestones, such as securing a landmark $7.5 million agreement with the USDA, launching the State IMPACT Collaborative in partnership with MDRC, and hosting over 200 leaders at our Fourth Annual National Convening in Washington, DC. The report also features the powerful work of our Democratizing Our Data Challenge (DDC) program teams, whom, with funding from Coleridge Initiative and access to the ADRF, designed scalable, collaborative tools to address policy issues in their states. From creating K-12 data models in New Jersey to building unemployment-to-reemployment dashboards in Wisconsin, these projects represent the future of data innovation in public service. As we continue into 2025, our momentum is only growing and demand for high-quality and clear data is only increasing. We are proud to be shaping the future of data-driven public policy at Coleridge Initiative and we hope you enjoy the 2024 report!

17 Jun 2025

COLERIDGE INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW COHORT OF DEMOCRATIZING OUR DATA CHALLENGE TO ADVANCE DATA-DRIVEN POLICY

Three teams awarded funding in the areas of workforce, education, and corrections.

COLERIDGE INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW COHORT OF DEMOCRATIZING OUR DATA CHALLENGE TO ADVANCE DATA-DRIVEN POLICY Three teams awarded funding in the areas of workforce, education, and corrections. WASHINGTON, DC, June 17, 2025 —The Coleridge Initiative today announced the latest cohort for Round Three of its Democratizing Our Data Challenge (DDC) program. The DDC is designed to facilitate the use of administrative data to help researchers develop, build, and scale innovative data products that support public policy and programs. Leveraging Coleridge’s secure data platform, the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), the teams in the DDC program collaborate on developing practical tools that help public leaders make more informed policy decisions. Since its launch in 2022, the DDC program has aimed to tackle high-impact challenges through partnerships within and across state agencies, universities, nonprofits, and mission-driven companies. This third round of the DDC awards will support two projects from Connecticut, and one multi-state project from Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland, which are focused on workforce, education, and corrections. “It is so inspiring to see the DDC teams take administrative data and transform it into something so powerful — not just for policy, but for people.” said Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of the Coleridge Initiative. “By equipping them with philanthropic funding, secure infrastructure like the ADRF, and expert guidance, we’re helping them move from insight to impact — and ultimately driving better outcomes in education, justice, and family well-being.” Third Round Awardee Projects Include: DC/VA/MD Award Connecting Education to Employment: By linking education and workforce data across the region for the first time, this project will help the jurisdictions better understand outcomes for residents who began in its K-12 schools, regardless of where they live or work in the region. This project will demonstrate the value of sharing data across states. Connecticut Corrections Award: Supporting Re-Entry through Workforce Training: This project will study how prison education and training programs, like Vocational Village and Second Chance Pell, affect people’s chances of getting jobs and staying financially stable after release. This project will report on program participation and provide insights into the efficacy of these programs beyond the DOC setting. Connecticut Childcare Award: Childcare and Family Stability: By linking data from the Jobs First Employment Services (JFES), Care 4 Kids, and K-12 education programs, the project will create foundational knowledge on how these programs affect families, specifically through exploring how receiving childcare subsidies helps parents complete job training and enter the workforce. The DDC program has been supported by generous funding from Ascendium Education Group, Gates Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation. Past Project Highlights In Rounds 1 and 2, DDC awardees developed innovative tools via multi-state data collaborations to improve workforce and education insights, including: New Jersey (Rutgers University’s Heldrich Center): Developed a comprehensive dashboard integrating workforce and education data to analyze employment outcomes across diverse demographic groups. Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee: Developed a Multi-State Postsecondary Report dashboard that provides insights on employment outcomes after postsecondary education. Ohio: Created new measures of non-degree credential outcomes for inclusion in the Multi-State Postsecondary Report dashboard hosted by KYSTATS. Rhode Island, New Jersey, Virginia, and Kentucky: Enhanced the Multi-State Postsecondary Report with data from the eastern states to present employment outcomes of postsecondary graduates.  Indiana–Education Design Lab: Developed a data model to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-pathways in improving employment outcomes for learners completing non-degree programs. Media Contact: Nick Obourn, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Coleridge Initiative. nick.obourn@coleridgeinitiative.org 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 the 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

28 Apr 2025

Insights From The Semafor World Economy Summit

Attending the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington, D.C. from April 23–25 was a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue between the public and private sectors and the integral role media outlets can play as a convener. The Summit brought together CEOs, policymakers, economists, and public sector leaders from the state and federal levels to share perspectives on the economy, the future of innovation, the role of responsible leadership, and the need for stronger collaboration across sectors to address today’s complex challenges. I was encouraged to see policy leaders from several states we work closely with including Kentucky, Connecticut, and Illinois. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a roundtable discussion on AI and Public Sector. It was an engaging and forward-looking conversation about how governments and private companies are shaping the development of AI to serve the public good. AI is a tool above all else that can be deployed in any number of directions and at Coleridge Initiative, we are embracing this by applying the technology within our secure data environments to strengthen privacy safeguards and streamline research workflows for government partners. As the roundtable wrapped, a consensus emerged around the idea that while AI systems can be impactful it also takes public-private collaboration to build systems that are transparent and beneficial to society.  Many of the sessions at the Summit were structured as brief 20-minute conversations on focused topics, and I found the format informative and easily digestible. On Thursday afternoon, the session with Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, was a fast-paced, deep dive into geopolitical shifts, emphasizing how global uncertainty is reshaping both markets and policymaking. His remarks highlighted the importance of agility, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, which align deeply with Coleridge’s approach to building a connected data ecosystem for public impact. At Coleridge Initiative, we believe that data collaboration across sectors is essential for smarter public policy and that cannot take place without innovation across sectors. Participating in the World Economy Summit affirmed that our mission—to make secure, accessible, and actionable data central to public decision-making—is aligned with the broader movement and ecosystem to build stronger bridges between the private and public spheres to inform decision making. 

04 Apr 2025

A Pivotal Moment to Gather

“Isn’t this a pivotal moment?”  I kicked off our Fifth Annual Coleridge Convening in Washington, D.C. with this question, acknowledging the changing landscape in our nation’s capital and its implications for our work. Our nearly 250 Convening participants representing 37 states, who gathered in Arlington, VA, March 26-28, recognized the unique challenges of our current environment, with many noting that delivering on our Coleridge mission – empowering leaders, policymakers, and government agencies to create value through data literacy that inform better policies for the public good – is more critical than ever.  Across the main stage and breakout room discussions, there was an unwavering confidence in data-driven decision making – the belief that the real potential for transformative change in government is in secure, accessible, and what I like to call “elegant” data. By elegant, I mean dynamic, nimble, and versatile data that addresses the needs of the moment while preparing us for the future. This isn't theoretical. We had three new states join us this year from New York, Kansas, and West Virginia and one of the driving factors in their attendance was the real application of data collaboration in the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) shared at the Convening. For example, with help from KYStats we launched the Multi-State Postsecondary Report, which allows partner states to track how their residents move across state lines for postsecondary education and into the workforce, offering insights that no single state could capture on its own. Building on that momentum, our Democratizing Data Challenge program helped launch the Eastern States Longitudinal Data Collaborative, which brought together New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia to expand the model regionally. These are a few of the cases where traditional systems have faced hurdles and Coleridge Initiative’s collaborative approach launched them over those obstacles. And we stand ready to do so again. Five critical opportunities emerged from our discussions that will shape our work in this pivotal moment: Data Integrity As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's and Coleridge Initiative board member, emphasized in his keynote, “we have seen the quality of the data eroding, and it is increasingly difficult to trust traditional sources.” Changes at the federal level have magnified these issues. With federal data infrastructure at risk, Coleridge's commitment to the highest standards of privacy and security has never been more essential. Our rigorous standards ensure policymakers can trust the evidence guiding their decisions. Pioneering Collaborative Governance Models  The "sandbox" we've created with the ADRF – where agencies can safely test innovative approaches to data sharing – continues to evolve. At this year's Convening, we unveiled Coleridge PASS (Privacy, Access, Safety, and Security), a groundbreaking layer that streamlines collaboration across agencies, datasets, agreements, and research projects. This framework maintains trust while accelerating insights.  Bottom-Up Data Ecosystem  While federal agencies navigate transition, an extraordinary opportunity emerges for states to lead. Coleridge Initiative has partnered with almost all 50 states in its five years and through the ADRF, we're witnessing the power of a bottom-up approach to data infrastructure. Each new agency, partner, and dataset creates a network effect that strengthens the entire ecosystem. Enhanced Compliance through Responsible AI  While secure data sharing will always require human oversight, we're strategically deploying AI to strengthen – not replace – critical safeguards. Our models build additional fail-safes into disclosure review and export processes. We’ve specifically enabled the use of AI as a data “export assistant,” allowing AI triage to surface potential data exposure issues for human review. This hybrid approach significantly reduces the risk of sensitive data transfer while maintaining rigorous oversight.  Translating Data into Action through Impact Storytelling  Marty Johnson, Director State Labor Information, Illinois Department of Employment Security, reminded us: “Data, when used in the right way, can tell the story that sits with people more deeply.” The growing Multi-state Data Collaborative demonstrates how sharing outcomes across boundaries amplifies impact and secures crucial investment. With dozens of projects currently underway across multiple government agencies, we're committed to helping you translate technical achievements into compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers and funders. The time is now to champion administrative data and prove once and for all that collaborative, data-driven approaches generate meaningful societal impact, even in uncertain times. We’re not just ready for the moment. We were built for it.

31 Mar 2025

COLERIDGE INITIATIVE'S 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENING HIGHLIGHTS THE FUTURE OF DATA-DRIVEN POLICY FOR PUBLIC GOOD

Data Leaders Converge to Champion Evidence-Based Policy at Critical Time WASHINGTON, DC, March 31, 2025 — The Coleridge Initiative hosted its 5th Annual National Convening in Arlington, VA, from March 26-28, bringing together nearly 300 data experts, policymakers and thought leaders to explore the transformative power of administrative data in shaping public policy. This year’s Convening, titled Empower Collaboration, Unlock Innovation, and Drive Impact, underscored how strategic partnerships and groundbreaking technology are impacting decision making for state, federal, and private sectors and unlocking the potential of data for public good. “We stand at a pivotal moment when the need for secure, accessible, and elegant data has never been more critical,” said Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of the Coleridge Initiative. “This Convening highlights that need and the huge opportunity we have to work in partnership to advance data infrastructure, governance, and accessibility to drive better policies that improve lives.” The keynote address by Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s, emphasized the urgent need for data-driven policymaking amid funding constraints and workforce reductions. “We have seen the quality of data eroding, and it is increasingly difficult to trust traditional sources,” said Zandi. “Data is critical to understanding what is going on and how we respond.”     Yildirmaz celebrated five years of growth and looked to the future: “We are building something greater than a platform – we’re working to generate a network effect,” said Yildirmaz. “Coleridge is not just building a technology platform—we’re helping shape a national data ecosystem. One where every dataset, every agency, every partner contributes to something larger than itself.”  ​​Attendees rose to the challenge, focusing on collaboration between organizations and groundbreaking innovations in data integration to achieve meaningful impact on a range of societal issues. Discussions included: Empowering Collaboration Across the Public and Private Sectors Data Innovation to Drive Opportunity and Access in Higher Education Unlocking Responsible AI Uses with State and Federal Data Best Practices for Data Sharing, Governance, and Infrastructure Multi-State Data Collaborative (MSDC) Real-World Outcomes View the full Convening agenda A standout moment of the Convening was the presentation of the Data Champion of the Year Award to Robert McGough, Chief Data Officer for the state of Arkansas. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing data-driven innovation in the public sector.  “I am honored to be recognized as Data Champion of the Year, especially among the many incredible data professionals from whom I have learned so much,” said McGough. Mike Rogers (Chief Workforce Officer), Dr. Jake Walker (Chief Research Officer), and I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to share how Arkansas is digitally transforming learning, employment, and advancement through new platforms and improving whole-person care through the Arkansas Integrated Referral and Outcomes System (AIROS). The Coleridge Initiative has been a vital partner in Arkansas’ data journey, and I am excited about the new efforts we have underway this year and the value they will provide to Arkansas and beyond.” 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 the 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

26 Mar 2025

COLERIDGE INITIATIVE LAUNCHES COLERIDGE PASS TO REVOLUTIONIZE GOVERNMENT DATA ACCESS AND COLLABORATION

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coleridge Initiative, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing data-driven policy, today launched Coleridge PASS, a pioneering development designed to streamline data access, enhance security, and facilitate seamless collaboration for researchers, data scientists, and government officials. With a more intuitive interface and powerful new features, Coleridge PASS accelerates user onboarding, simplifies data imports, and strengthens support services—empowering agencies and researchers on the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) platform to have a superior user experience and work more efficiently and securely than ever before. "With Coleridge PASS, we are transforming how government agencies and researchers interact with data," said Dr. Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of the Coleridge Initiative. "By enhancing security and streamlining access, we are not only increasing efficiency but also breaking down barriers to drive the future of data-driven policymaking, enabling government agencies to develop better policies and practice for the public good." A Smarter, More Secure Platform As a software layer to the ADRF, Coleridge PASS optimizes operational workflows between agencies, datasets, agreements, and research projects. Key enhancements include: One-Stop Research Hub: Coleridge PASS consolidates essential functions into a single, user-friendly platform, allowing researchers to manage projects, collaborate, and request access to data—all without leaving the portal. Significant UI/UX improvements enhance self-service capabilities, streamline data imports, and accelerate user onboarding and provisioning. Enhanced Security & Compliance: Strengthened data governance features allow users to track data access, manage permissions with greater precision, and securely share code with colleagues—all while ensuring strict compliance with federal data security standards. "The new Coleridge PASS builds upon the ADRF, making it easier to monitor and manage data, projects, and access with additional useful information," said Robert McGough, Chief Data Officer for Arkansas. "With these new innovations, we are more able to harness data and evidence to drive meaningful change." About The ADRF Platform The Coleridge Initiative's award-winning Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) is a FedRAMP-authorized cutting-edge computational research platform that enables seamless, secure, and scalable data sharing across agencies and geographic boundaries. Designed to break down silos and enhance data-driven decision-making, ADRF empowers researchers, data scientists, and government agencies to collaborate more effectively while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. By providing advanced analytical tools, streamlined workflows, and robust support services, ADRF accelerates insights that drive policy innovation and improve public outcomes. 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 the 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 Mar 2025

Coleridge Initiative Offers No Cost Services to Unlock the Power of Data

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The use of data, or lack thereof, in government decision making is in the news daily. Questions abound on how the Federal government stores, analyzes, and accesses data and how, especially at this moment, there are fundamental decisions on the structure and impact of the government being made using massive collections of data as a guide. All these actions underscore the power of data and the crucial role it has come to play in how policy decisions are made, both at the federal and state levels.  At Coleridge Initiative, we have long partnered with government agencies to unlock the power of data for public good. We believe that data, when used effectively, is a powerful tool that brings clarity for leaders; it’s a catalyst for informed decision-making, and a driver of real impact in communities. Whether it’s improving educational outcomes, shaping economic and workforce policies, or optimizing public resources, our focus on data-driven collaboration has highlighted firsthand how it leads to smarter and more effective policies. As always, we are committed to bridging the gap between data and decision-making. Because we believe the most good comes from sharing knowledge and learning together, we are happy to announce that we are currently offering several of our core services at no cost to partner organizations and those who wish to learn more about Coleridge Initiative.  We are pleased to offer fully subsidized seats to state agency staff and their nonprofit partners for our highly regarded Applied Data Analytics Training. Our 2025 offerings will focus on the domains of secondary and post-secondary education, corrections, and workforce.  Learn more about our ADA Training Program. In addition, we welcome meetings and conversations with state and federal leaders to discuss access and complimentary seats to the ADRF, our FedRAMP authorized computational research platform, where we provide educational tools, videos, and presentations on best practices in coding.  Learn more about our ADRF research platform. Request to learn more about our service offerings. 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. The organization empowers agencies to enhance workforce data literacy and fosters collaboration across states to develop innovative technologies through secure data sharing. Its FedRAMP-authorized Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) enables agencies to link longitudinal data across states and organizations. Learn more at www.coleridgeinitiative.org.

16 Jan 2025

Jeffrey Thomson Named Chair of The Coleridge Initiative Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Coleridge Initiative is pleased to announce the election of Jeffrey Thomson as Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Michael Holland, who has served on the board since the organization's inception. This leadership transition reflects Coleridge's continued growth and dedication to advancing data-driven decision-making for the public good. Thomson brings significant executive experience and expertise, leading a large accounting non-profit (501c3) as CEO for nearly 15 years, demonstrating deep expertise in governance, strategic planning, business transformation, enterprise risk management, and internal control. Joining the Coleridge Board of Directors in 2023, he has demonstrated a strong alignment with the organization's mission and values. "I am honored to step into the role of Chair and am inspired by Coleridge's commitment to harnessing data and analytics to address critical societal challenges," said Thomson. "Building on the strong foundation developed by Mike and the board, Coleridge is uniquely positioned to help state and federal agencies securely break data silos to transform how the government serves people." An Accomplished Leader Thomson last served as President and CEO of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) for nearly 15 years. Previously, he was CFO for Business Sales at AT&T, where he worked for 23 years. His contributions to the fields of accounting and finance have earned him recognition on Accounting Today's "Top 100 Most Influential People List" for 14 consecutive years, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from Trust Across America/Trust Across the World. "Jeff brings precisely what Coleridge needs at this pivotal moment – a proven leadership in scaling organizations and deep, cross-sector expertise," said Ahu Yildirmaz, President and CEO of Coleridge. "His exceptional track record of driving innovation, coupled with his genuine passion for leveraging data to transform public policy, will be invaluable as we expand our impact." Outgoing Chair Holland added, "Jeff's unique combination of skills, experience, and passion for the Coleridge mission will ensure the organization's continued success." During his six years guiding the board, first as Treasurer and then as Chair, Holland helped lead Coleridge from a nascent startup into a well-established nonprofit organization with robust governance and operational structures. His leadership ensured sustainability and scalability while keeping the organization focused on its mission. "Mike Holland's steadfast dedication and visionary leadership have been pivotal to Coleridge's success," said Yildirmaz. "His ability to navigate critical growth phases have helped position us for continued impact. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable service." Holland stated, "Serving as Chair of the Coleridge board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that Jeff's expertise and passion will propel the organization to even greater achievements." 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. The organization empowers agencies to enhance workforce data literacy and fosters collaboration across states to develop innovative technologies through secure data sharing. Its FedRAMP-authorized Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF) enables agencies to link longitudinal data across states and organizations. Learn more at www.coleridgeinitiative.org.

07 Nov 2024

State IMPACT Collaborative Awardees Announcement

The Coleridge Initiative and MDRC are pleased to announce that three state agencies will be awarded funding and research support through the State IMPACT (Innovative Models for Policy Acceleration & Collaborative Testing) Collaborative. The Collaborative provides funding and research support to transform state policymaking by leveraging advanced data analytics and collaborative research to foster evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development. State IMPACT Collaborative Awarded Projects: Recidivism Reduction Initiative through Analysis: Led by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, this project aims to test the effectiveness of workforce training in correctional facilities on reducing barriers to reemployment following incarceration.  Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Enhancement Project: Led by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, in partnership with The Ohio State University, this project aims to test the effectiveness of expanding RESEA services to individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Unemployment Insurance  who are currently not being served by RESEA services. Improve Cross-Program Referrals: Led by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board, this project aims to test the effectiveness of different strategies for implementing cross-program referrals from workforce development services increasing enrollment in services. About the State IMPACT Collaborative The State IMPACT Collaborative is a project of MDRC and the Coleridge Initiative with support from Arnold Ventures. Over two years, the State IMPACT Collaborative consists of training and technical assistance to state agencies committed to using research and evaluation to advance economic mobility among individuals and families with low incomes. This collaborative will build on MDRC’s proven learning-by-doing approach to increasing state agencies' data analytic capacity and MDRC’s 50 years of experience carrying out high-quality rigorous evaluations. Awardees will utilize Coleridge Initiative’s renowned Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), which enables secure cross-agency and cross-state collaboration, and participate in a new Applied Data Analytics training program in partnership with the state of Arkansas that will include a new co-developed curriculum in evaluation methods.