Coleridge's Role

As the initiative's data and technical assistance partner, Coleridge helps states strengthen their ability to securely share and analyze administrative data across agencies. Through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF), participating states gain access to a secure environment where linked data can support research, program evaluation, and evidence-based policymaking while maintaining strong privacy protections.

Coleridge supports participating states through:

• Secure data-sharing infrastructure using the ADRF
• Applied data analytics training for cross-agency teams
• Technical assistance on data governance and data integration
• Support for linking education, workforce, corrections, and other administrative datasets
• Expertise in building sustainable, collaborative data ecosystems that inform policy and program improvement

By strengthening states' capacity to use linked administrative data, the initiative helps leaders better understand what works, measure long-term outcomes, and make more informed investments in education and workforce programs.

Supporting State-Led Innovation

Four states were selected as the inaugural Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks based on their commitment to expanding opportunity for individuals with records and their readiness to strengthen collaboration across state agencies.

Each participating state receives:

• Up to $2.1 million to expand postsecondary education, workforce training, and career pathways for individuals in correctional facilities and those returning to their communities.
• More than $1.8 million in technical assistance from JFF and Coleridge to strengthen data systems, evaluate outcomes, and support long-term systems change.
• Participation in a national peer learning network that enables states to share best practices and accelerate innovation.

The Inaugural Cohort

Kansas

Kansas is strengthening collaboration among education, workforce, corrections, and employer partners while improving reentry metrics and expanding employer engagement to meet growing workforce demand across the state.

Maine

Maine is expanding employer-connected education and workforce pathways while strengthening cross-agency coordination and improving its capacity to measure education and employment outcomes through linked data.

North Carolina

North Carolina is using the initiative to expand education, apprenticeship, and work-release opportunities while deepening data integration across agencies to better understand participant outcomes and support continuous improvement.

Oregon

Oregon is enhancing coordination across agencies by strengthening integrated data systems, improving reporting capabilities, and expanding education-to-employment pathways, including the continued growth of its WorkSource Oregon Reentry Centers as a bridge from incarceration to employment.

Advancing Evidence-Based Policy

Throughout the initiative, participating states work alongside people with lived experience of incarceration to help shape program design and implementation. Mathematica serves as the independent evaluator, documenting lessons learned and identifying strategies that can inform policy and practice nationwide.

By combining secure data infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and rigorous evaluation, the Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks are helping states build stronger pathways from education to employment—and creating models that can improve economic mobility for justice-impacted individuals across the country.