Following an 18-month planning process, California’s Cradle-to-Career Data System has hired its first director, Mary Ann Bates.

The Cradle-to-Career system, established in July, strives to link existing education, workforce, financial aid and social service information to better equip policy makers, educators and the public to close opportunity gaps and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state.

“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our public leaders, community partners and data experts, California is now poised to launch a transformative system that will enable us to both learn more about how – and do more – to serve students and families in an equitable way,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “Mary Ann has spent her entire career laser-focused on closing the equity gap and is the perfect choice to lead this effort.”

A component of the California Comeback Plan, the Cradle-to-Career System will offer public dashboards and other tools to provide transparency into how students are educated and enter the workforce, along with corresponding insights into how policies and programs can better serve more students and families.

The system will also expand and scale a one-stop resource – CaliforniaColleges.edu – for students to receive free, individually-tailored support for career planning, financial aid and college applications.

“This is a huge step forward in establishing the leadership so the work can begin in earnest to build a data system for all Californians. The board selected Mary Ann as the best candidate to bring the Cradle-to-Career system to reality,” said Amy Fong, chair of the governing board for the Office of Cradle-to-Career Data.

Bates is currently serving as a senior fellow in the White House Office of Management and Budget. For information, visit c2c.ca.gov and cadatasystem.wested.org.