Multi-State Data Collaborative Secures Funding, Prepares for Key Events in 2025
NASWA, the Administering Organization for the Multi-State Data Collaborative (MSDC), has secured renewed philanthropic funding to advance its mission of helping state agencies leverage administrative data to address pressing policy challenges.
Since its founding, the MSDC has provided a collaborative space for state program, policy, and data experts to exchange ideas, access technical assistance and share best practices. Recent efforts to establish formal governance have led to the election of officers to support the Collaborative’s 2024 learning agenda and guide its future initiatives, including establishing four workgroups related to reentry outcomes, emerging industries, data linkages and AI use cases. The MSDC has formalized partnerships with the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) and the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) to strengthen cross-sector partnerships.
“Establishing formal governance and partnerships with SHEEO and APHSA positions MSDC members to better leverage data assets across society, not just in government," said Anna Hui, the MSDC’s Executive Committee Chair. "What an exciting start to improve timely, accurate, and actionable data-driven, evidence-based policymaking!"
In March 2025, the MSDC will co-host its 4th Annual Meeting alongside the Coleridge Initiative’s 5th National Convening in Arlington, VA. The event will focus on expanding the Collaborative’s network and data product pipeline, with sessions addressing K-12 and post-secondary education, workforce development and human services. The MSDC will hold a membership planning session ahead of the meeting to refine its agenda and ensure alignment with members’ priorities.
Additionally, the MSDC is continuing its “Learn and Share” sessions to promote effective data use and foster stronger community ties among states. These events and the latest updates can be found on the MSDC’s website and in its monthly newsletter, the Network Times.
