FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Law Establishes New Jersey Statewide Data System at the Heldrich Center
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.”