Why do workforce data matter? A strong education prepares students to succeed in their chosen careers, but education, training, and employment pathways are changing. Individuals take multiple paths into the workforce. Some get jobs after completing high school, some after earning a college degree. To develop and support a strong workforce, policymakers, educators, school and business leaders, students, and the labor force can use data to inform improvements to the variety of routes through education and careers. States can securely link limited K-12 data with postsecondary and workforce data, such as program completion or employment status, to evaluate which schools, programs, and pathways help students be successful in college and careers.