The California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) launched the Student Pathways Data Story, a first-of-its-kind informational tool to help students better understand their options for education and career planning.

C2C is California's official longitudinal data system, linking statewide data and producing public-facing tools for students, families, researchers, and policymakers. Through a series of research questions and data visualizations, the Student Pathways Data Story provides a broad view of students' educational journeys from high school graduation to college and the workforce, offering valuable insights about important questions, including:

  • Where do students in my district go after high school?
  • Are they getting the preparation they need to land and keep jobs with living wages?
  • What do those trajectories look like when the data is broken down by race, gender, or geography?

Erin Sullivan, director of the Professional Services Division at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, serves as a C2C governing board member sharing extensive knowledge of credentialing, accreditation, and education policy.

“This is the first of many data visualization platforms that will be developed by C2C. Its release was received with excitement and enthusiasm by research and policy groups, as well as California lawmakers,” said Sullivan.

“The Commission is one of many data providers toC2C and as a governing board member, I look forward to supporting C2C’s ongoing efforts to build out this valuable statewide resource.”

Prior to the Cradle-to-Career Act that was signed into law in 2021, California was one of the only states without a longitudinal data system capable of identifying progress over time through multiple stages in individuals’ educational and career journeys.

Updated June 10, 2025