SHEEO held its latest in an ongoing series of Communities of Practice convenings on February 7-8, 2024, in Alexandria, VA. The Communities of Practice convenings are a valuable opportunity for states to connect with their peers and reflect in-depth on the capacities, uses, and barriers to their data systems. This two-day meeting provided an opportunity for state data practitioners, researchers, and policy analysts across P20W sectors to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with engaging in multi-state and multi-sector data projects. The convening also launched an ongoing network for participants to share best practices and shared experiences and to workshop strategies and solutions with their counterparts in other states. 

The Community of Practice explored: 

• The value, opportunities, and challenges of sharing and using cross-state and cross-sector data. 
• Ways to build better connections between education and workforce data and to support improved individual and economic outcomes within and beyond state borders. 
• The necessary technical, legal, and personnel conditions to foster successful multi-state and multi-system data projects and outcomes. 
• Examples of current multi-state and multi-sector data projects focused on employment outcomes, prison to education pathways, veterans’ pathways, credentials of value, and other cross-state and cross-sector priorities. 
• How to cultivate relationships and communicate shared vision and success across states and sectors. 

Participants included teams from 13 states, SHEEO staff, BMGF staff, and subject-matter experts. State teams were comprised of three to four members from K-12, postsecondary, and workforce sectors, with representation from at least two of these sectors, who are responsible for data systems, research, or policy analysis.  This work is funded through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). 

Learn more about SHEEO events at https://sheeo.org/events/.