Twenty Years of DQC
For two decades, the Data Quality Campaign has been the preeminent voice advocating for transforming the role of data to ensure that stakeholders at all levels can make decisions.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we reflect on the progress we’ve made, the partnerships we’ve built, and the future we envision. Join us as we commemorate this milestone and continue to advocate for data that works for everyone.
DQC is the only national nonprofit policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that data works for individuals, families, educators, communities, and policymakers.
Over the years as the role of data in education and workforce sectors has evolved, so have we.
DQC launched in 2005 to advocate for and support states in developing robust data systems to give families, educators, and other decisionmakers access to valuable information on student performance and achievement over time.
Once states established the foundations of high-quality longitudinal data systems, they were well-positioned to use this information to answer critical policy questions and improve decisionmaking.
In 2016, we launched our evidence-based recommendations for state policymakers and leaders at all levels to transform data from a tool of compliance to one that empowers people and fuels continuous improvement.
We also published our first comprehensive reviews of state reports card for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These findings teed up a conversation among states and partners about how to improve education data transparency.
Today, as the preeminent voice on data policy and use, DQC leads a national effort to improve the policies, practices, and conditions that empower individuals to use data effectively to improve student outcomes across the education to workforce spectrum.
Looking Ahead
Reflections from DQC's President and CEO, Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger
For 20 years, the Data Quality Campaign has championed the power of data to drive better outcomes across education and workforce. From the beginning, we have worked to ensure that students, jobseekers, and the people who support them—families, educators, employers, and policymakers—have access to the information they need to guide informed decisionmaking. We have seen remarkable progress: states making investments into robust longitudinal data systems, policymakers prioritizing transparency, privacy, and access, and leaders recognizing the role of data in creating opportunities and positive outcomes for people.
As we look ahead, our work is as critical as ever. The challenges facing education and workforce readiness today demand better, more connected, and more actionable data. DQC remains committed to advancing policies and practices that ensure data works as a tool for meaningful change, not just a compliance requirement. Together with our partners, we will continue to push for a future where data empowers every learner, every educator, and every community to thrive. Here's to the next 20 years of impact—and ensuring data works for everyone.
Support Our work
Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, advocate, or community member, your voice and support matter. There are many ways to get involved— join our mailing list to get updates on our work, share with us on social media, or explore our resources to learn more about data and data access.
Join the conversation on social media using #DQC20 and help us continue the work of ensuring that data works for everyone. Together, we can transform the role of data.
To sponsor DQC’s 20th anniversary celebrations, contact DQC’s Vice President, Communications Blair Mann at bmann@dataqualitycampaign.org.
People Need Access to Data
Access to data is critical for anyone—from students to governors—to inform decisionmaking at transition points on journeys through education and into the workforce.
About
We advocate to change the role of data to ensure that data works for everyone navigating their education and workforce journeys.
