Press Release: New Law Establishes New Jersey Statewide Data System at the Heldrich Center (January 25, 2026)

Legislation Formalizes a Secure, Statewide Data Platform to Strengthen Education and Workforce Policy

New Brunswick, New Jersey — January 26, 2026 — The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, applauds the enactment of P.L.2025, c.388., which formally establishes the New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS) at the Heldrich Center. NJSDS is a secure centralized, statewide platform that brings together administrative data from several state agencies, including Education, Higher Education and Student Assistance, and Labor. The system helps policymakers and the public evaluate the performance of education and workforce development programs. This legislation marks a significant milestone in New Jersey’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, interagency collaboration, and data-driven solutions that empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about education and training options and careers.

NJSDS has become widely recognized for its success in the development and use of longitudinal administrative data. The system is well positioned to serve the state in generating evidence to help in areas such as but not limited to:

• Ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability by evaluating program effectiveness, measuring returns on investment.

• Targeting support for first-generation and low-income students based on outcomes.

• Developing teacher pipeline strategies that address shortages and improve retention.

• Monitoring equity trends across sectors and academic majors.

• Forecasting workforce supply to align education programs with employer needs. 

“We are honored that the Legislature and Governor entrusted the Heldrich Center to continue to administer this vitally important service for New Jersey,” said Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and Director of the Heldrich Center. “This system serves as a cornerstone for transparent, evidence-based decision-making that directly benefits students, workers, employers, and policymakers by revealing real insights into education and workforce pathways.”

“This law positions New Jersey as a national leader in using comprehensive state data to drive innovation and accountability,” added Stephanie Walsh, Ph.D., Director of NJSDS and Assistant Director at the Heldrich Center. “By understanding long-term patterns in education, training, and labor market outcomes, we will be better equipped to enhance opportunity and economic mobility for all New Jersey residents.”

For more information: https://njsds.nj.gov

NJSDS in the News (October 16, 2025)

The latest issue of BINJE (Business in New Jersey … everyday) features an op-ed by Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, titled “Eight Ways Statewide Coordination for Higher Education Unlocks Students’ Futures.”

In the piece, Dr. Bridges spotlights the impact of the New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS) and how its collaborative approach is helping to guide policy across the state.

Press Release: NJSDS Renaming and Wew Jersey Statewide Data System Renaming and Website Launch (December 5, 2023)

New Brunswick, New Jersey – December 5, 2023 – The New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS), formerly known as the New Jersey Education to Earnings Data System (NJEEDS), is proud to announce its renaming in recognition of its significant expansion in scope and use. NJSDS is also proud to unveil its new website, which can be found at njsds.nj.gov. Housed at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, this evolution of the state’s longitudinal data system reflects the shared commitment to fostering partnerships and empowering data-driven decision-making for the benefit of New Jerseyans. Partnering state agencies include the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The renaming represents a marquee moment that highlights New Jersey’s national prominence as a leader in evidence-based policymaking, and the continued development of its longitudinal data system. NJSDS is the state’s centralized longitudinal data system for public administrative data. Initially developed in 2012 as NJEEDS with a focus on education data, the system has expanded through close coordination with partnering state agencies. With those partnerships having broadened the breadth of data linked through the system, NJSDS is now a large statewide interagency and intergovernmental platform where data from participating agencies are securely stored to expand access and analysis to improve governance efforts, policymaking, and performance of public initiatives.

NJSDS aims to provide policymakers, the public, and other stakeholders with the information needed to make decisions that will improve public policies and practices for New Jersey residents. This includes facilitating longitudinal and linked data research, providing statistical data, and publishing reports on the NJSDS website. NJSDS is a collaborative endeavor that is possible because of a strong governance structure through a leadership council that includes all partner agencies.

“The renaming and launch of the New Jersey Statewide Data System website stands as a testament to our state’s leadership in fostering partnerships and harnessing the power of data for informed decision-making,” said Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “This action represents the culmination of collaborative work among state agencies. Together, we are advancing a comprehensive, interagency platform that will enhance governance efforts, policymaking, and the overall performance of public initiatives throughout the state.”

Dr. Brian K. Bridges, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, said, “Since its inception, the newly named New Jersey Statewide Data System has been built up into an indispensable tool for New Jersey, providing a lens through which to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of our programs, align higher education approaches with workforce needs, and identify and address persisting achievement gaps. Within the broadened scope, we are further empowered to promote equity and create pathways to success for New Jersey residents from all backgrounds. The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is proud to be a data partner and collaborator.”

David J. Socolow, Executive Director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, said, “As we continuously work to make postsecondary education more affordable and attainable for families throughout our state, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority is proud to play an ongoing role in making a broad array of data available through the New Jersey Statewide Data System to help inform public policies and initiatives that will advance these crucial efforts. Alongside the Heldrich Center and our fellow partners in government, we remain committed to taking a transparent and evidence-based approach to promoting the success of New Jersey residents.”

“This valuable collaboration has enabled partner agencies to make data-informed decisions to deliver enhanced education, career, and training services,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “The New Jersey Statewide Data System is a critical resource that helps the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development ensure quality, effectiveness, and equity in our workforce development programs, and inform strategies to support future workforce needs. With the re-launch of NJSDS, we look forward to expanding the scope and quality of data available, and further improving its use and accessibility to continue driving our economy forward.”

Kevin Dehmer, Executive Director of the Heldrich Center, said, “The New Jersey Statewide Data System is more than just a name change and new website; it is a reflection of our shared commitment to ensuring the success of New Jersey residents. By bringing together agencies dedicated to the use of data to improve policy for residents, we aim to create a holistic, data-driven ecosystem that empowers individuals to achieve their goals.”