Building the Data Foundation for Workforce Pell
A collaboratively developed framework of critical data elements for collecting, reporting, and analyzing information on Workforce Pell eligible programs, their participants, and outcomes.
A Common Reference for Workforce Pell Data
The Model Workforce Pell (WFP) Data Framework is intended to guide state agencies, Governors' offices, and postsecondary institutions responsible for implementing and overseeing WFP–eligible programs. It supports policy development, data system enhancement, as well as program approval and accountability processes.
The data elements in this framework draw on the final WFP regulatory text issued by the U.S. Department of Education following negotiated rulemaking through the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) committee (the "WFP Rules"). This framework also incorporates data elements from a number of federal and nationally leading data frameworks and taxonomies.
The framework organizes elements into four overarching "pillars" that together support WFP program approval, accountability, and transparency. Within each pillar, data elements are categorized as either Essential or Important.
The framework is not prescriptive; rather, it provides a common reference and outlines best practices that support regulatory compliance, cross-program alignment (including with WIOA), consumer information, and longer-term analysis of employment and education pathways. Depending on the state context, additional elements may be needed to support specific policy objectives or to meet the requirements of state funding streams. Additionally, a state may elect to use a smaller subset of these elements for noncredit and microcredential reporting by programs that are not seeking WFP eligibility.
In general, all data elements should be managed and collected at the record-level using structured, linked, and interoperable data formats to ensure they are machine readable, searchable, and able to integrate with other education and employment datasets. Additionally, states should plan to publish aggregate participant and outcomes information as open data files to ensure maximum access and usability of the data.
Four Pillars of the Data Framework
The framework organizes data elements into four overarching pillars that together support WFP program approval, accountability, and transparency.
Employer Alignment
This pillar contains information on labor market and employer needs to ensure WFP programs are aligned to the requirements of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors and otherwise address employer hiring requirements. Generally, Employer Alignment information will be established at the state-level.
Program-Level
The Program-Level Pillar contains information on the provider of the program, the program characteristics (length, cost, etc.), the resulting recognized postsecondary credentials, and how the program stacks into other postsecondary education programs. The WFP provider reports program-level information to the state, who will then use this information for various approval and compliance purposes. A state may also use program-level data to populate a centralized credential registry or other consumer information tools.
Participant-Level
The Participant-Level Pillar contains information on the individual participants in WFP programs needed for compliance purposes and outcomes analysis. Similar to program-level elements, the WFP provider reports participant-level information to the state, who will then use this information for various approval and compliance purposes. A state may also use the information for other education-to-employment research and analytics.
Employment & Pathway Outcomes
The Employment & Pathway Outcomes Pillar contains information on employment, earnings, and educational advancement outcomes. The State and Federal Government calculate employment and pathway outcomes using WFP provider-reported program- and participant-level data combined with other administrative records. A state may need to establish new or enhance existing administrative collections, such as adding occupational elements to unemployment insurance wage records, in order to calculate certain outcomes.
Built for the People Doing the Work
This framework is designed for the agencies, institutions, and offices responsible for making Workforce Pell a reality at the state and institutional level.
State Agencies
State education and workforce agencies responsible for implementing data collection systems, managing program approval processes, and reporting to the federal government.
Governors' Offices
Governors' offices responsible for determinations regarding eligible workforce programs, including approval of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand program designations.
Postsecondary Institutions
Postsecondary institutions delivering WFP-eligible programs who need to understand data reporting requirements for program approval and continued compliance.
A Phased Approach to Implementation
No state or institution is starting from scratch. Many of these elements already exist within current education and workforce data systems and can be aligned or extended. The recommended approach includes:
Map Against Existing Collections
Identify which data elements already exist in current education and workforce systems. Align and extend where possible.
Prioritize Program Approval
Focus on Essential elements needed for initial program approval within the Employer Alignment and Program-level pillars.
Build Participant-Level Systems
Implement participant-level data collection systems necessary for critical compliance and outcomes determinations.
Layer in Important Elements
Phase in Important elements aligned to state priorities and capacity over time to support policy analysis and consumer information.
Resource Hub
Collaborative partners have developed tools, standards, and resources to support Workforce Pell data implementation. Browse by category to find resources relevant to your needs.
Multiple Framework Pillars
Edu-API
Overview of and resources for standardized exchange of data between enterprise data systems and can be used to support reporting.
Guidance for Data Collection + Publishing to the Credential Registry
Set of resources, instructions, and supporting templates for collecting and publishing Workforce Pell data to the Credential Registry.
Specialized Working Groups
Resource open to anyone from a state-level entity working on the development of the noncredit data infrastructure. SWGs seek to provide broad guidance across a range of issues including but not limited to Workforce Pell implementation.
Noncredit Data Taxonomy 3.0 and Implementation Guide
The updated Taxonomy 3.0 report offers a practical guide for improving the noncredit data infrastructure.
Employer Alignment Pillar
Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange (CASE)
Overview of and resources on the technical specification that establishes a standard way to exchange information about academic standards, competencies, and learning outcomes across platforms, applications, and systems.
JobSIDE
A web-based tool that helps employers produce validated skill profiles for in-demand jobs and supports educators in aligning training programs with employer needs. It can be used to map learning opportunities (i.e., Workforce Pell courses and credentials) to employer validated skill profiles.
Guidance for Employer Alignment Data Collection + Publishing to the Credential Registry
Set of resources, instructions, and supporting templates for collecting and publishing Employer Alignment data to the Credential Registry.
Program-Level Pillar
Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange (CASE)
Overview of and resources on the technical specification that establishes a standard way to exchange information about academic standards, competencies, and learning outcomes across platforms, applications, and systems.
Digital Credentials
Overview of and resources on digital credentials standards (Open Badges, Comprehensive Learner Record, and CASE).
JobSIDE
A web-based tool to support publishing learning opportunity data for the purposes of mapping to employer validated skill profiles. It can also be used to publish and manage a subset of program-level data that can integrate with other data sources. Most applicable for the "important" data elements.
Guidance for Program-level Data Collection + Publishing to the Credential Registry
Set of resources, instructions, and supporting templates for collecting and publishing Program-level data to the Credential Registry.
Participant-Level Pillar
Digital Credentials
Overview of and resources on digital credentials standards (Open Badges, Comprehensive Learner Record, and CASE).
T3 Innovation Network
A public-private initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber Foundation to make education and workforce data interoperable, enabling learners and workers to communicate their skills and experience effectively. T3 accelerates the adoption of digital tools and standards like Learning and Employment Records (LERs), creating a more inclusive talent marketplace where all learning counts.
Employment & Pathway Outcomes Pillar
JEDx
A public-private approach to modernize how jobs and employment data are collected and shared, reducing reporting burdens and improving data quality for employers and government. JEDx can help produce more complete and timely employment data for use in assessing the effectiveness of Workforce Pell. JEDx also empowers workers to use their own verified employment records for career and education opportunities, while enabling better workforce analytics and streamlined employer reporting to federal and state agencies.
What States Should Know About Education and Work — But Don't
Brief outlining the value of enhanced wage records for education-to-employment analysis.
Enhancing Unemployment Insurance Records: Implementation Guidance for States
Resource outlining how states can prepare for, implement, and use enhanced wage records, including state case studies.
Guidance for Employment & Pathway Outcomes Data Collection + Publishing to the Credential Registry
Set of resources, instructions, and supporting templates for collecting and publishing Employment & Pathway Outcomes data to the Credential Registry.
Upcoming Events
Join us for a deep dive into each pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework.
Past Events
Missed a session? Watch the recording below.
Aligning Workforce Pell Data with Digital Credentialing Systems
The National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices, Strada Education Foundation, DXtera, 1EdTech, and Marshall University explored how Workforce Pell data aligns with digital credentialing systems, and how a digital credentialing strategy can tie to broader state learning mobility strategies.
Representatives from Strada described why a digital credentialing strategy is important for Workforce Pell. Jeff Merriman from DXtera highlighted their guidebook on the technical and process considerations for issuing digital credentials within higher education institutions. Emilie Rafal from 1EdTech discussed the key interoperability standards and criteria for skills information that should be addressed in digital credentialing systems. Julia Spears from Marshall University discussed West Virginia’s efforts to implement digital credentialing systems at scale.
The Employment & Pathway Outcomes Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework
The National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices, Strada Education Foundation, the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, and CredLens explored the Employment & Pathway Outcomes Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework, which contains information on employment, earnings, and educational advancement outcomes.
Representatives from Strada introduced the Employment & Pathway Outcomes Pillar and considerations for enhancing wage records for capturing occupational outcomes. Michael Schultz from the University of Washington described the State of Washington’s enhancement of wage records and recently published occupational outcomes reports. Representatives from CredLens provided an update on the national data trust for nondegree credentials and key considerations for assessing wage, employment, and credential outcomes.
The Participant-level Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework
The National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices and Strada Education Foundation explored the Participant-level Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework.
Representatives from Strada introduced the Participant-level Pillar, which contains the individual-level data elements—including enrollment, demographics, completion, and financial assistance—needed for compliance purposes and outcomes analysis. The session examined how Workforce Pell providers report participant-level information to states for program approval and compliance, and how that information supports longer-term education-to-employment research and analytics.
The Program-level Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework
The National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices, Strada Education Foundation, and Credential Engine explored the Program-level Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework.
Strada introduced the Program-level Pillar. Jeanne Kitchens, Chief Technology Services Officer, and Jared Diener, Director of Accounts and Publishing, from Credential Engine highlighted their guidance and bulk upload templates for collecting and publishing Workforce Pell data structured in CTDL to the Credential Registry, supporting eligibility reporting, transparency, and interoperability. Lesley Hirsch, Assistant Commissioner for Research and Information at the New Jersey Department of Labor, shared how New Jersey is capturing data on noncredit programs in CTDL and publishing this information to the Credential Registry.
The Employer Alignment Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework
The National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices, Strada Education Foundation, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation explored the Employer Alignment Pillar of the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework.
Representatives from Strada introduced the Employer Alignment Pillar and highlighted state models for identifying high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations, alongside the programs aligned to those sectors. Leaders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation provided an overview of the JobSIDE tool and Talent Pipeline Management framework, supporting coordination among employers and education and training providers.
Introducing the Model Workforce Pell Data Framework
The National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices, Strada, and Rutgers Workforce Pell Readiness Academy hosted an introduction to the Model WFP Data Framework, a practical roadmap to guide state, territory, and institutional data development in support of Workforce Pell implementation.
Representatives from Strada Education Foundation walked participants through how the Framework can support program approval, reporting, accountability, and transparency. Leaders of the State Noncredit Data Project shared how state-based working groups are advancing Workforce Pell data readiness. Amy Cable from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System highlighted Louisiana’s approach to data system implementation.
A Collective Effort
This Model Workforce Pell Data Framework is the result of collaboration among leading education, workforce, and data organizations. The organizations identified below have contributed to the development of this framework.
