(PSS-SLDS) — The CNMI has joined the Coleridge Initiative training program for the first time, marking a major step forward in strengthening local capacity to use secure data to improve education-to-workforce outcomes.
Through the CNMI Statewide Longitudinal Data System or SLDS Program, a newly formed cross-agency team — eMPowerED Marianas — will participate in Coleridge’s applied analytics training focused on using linked education and workforce data to answer essential questions about student transitions after high school.
Building skills, not just systems
The Coleridge Initiative is a nonprofit organization that works with federal, state, and local government partners to improve the use of administrative data in evidence-based policymaking.
Through its FedRAMP-authorized Administrative Data Research Facility — a secure, cloud-based environment — Coleridge enables secure linkage and analysis of longitudinal and confidential data across agencies and states.
The organization also delivers Applied Data Analytics training programs, equipping government staff with modern analytical skills to answer real-world policy questions and build reusable data tools.
By enhancing data literacy, facilitating cross-agency collaborations, and supporting innovative data products, Coleridge helps agencies turn data into actionable insights that improve public outcomes.
The CNMI’s participation represents a major investment in building long-term capability across agencies — not only to manage data, but to use it responsibly to guide decisions, strengthen programs, and improve outcomes for students and the workforce.
A cross-agency team effort
The CNMI team is led by Jeaniffer “Jen” Cubangbang, SLDS technical manager at the Public School System, who previously participated on Guam’s team during the last Coleridge cohort. Her experience brings tested knowledge and momentum into CNMI’s first official cohort participation.
The eMPowerED Marianas team operates under the CNMI P20W Data Governance Committee and reflects strong collaboration across education and workforce partners.
Team members include:
• Jeaniffer Cubangbang (PSS), SLDS technical manager
• Dr. Annette Pladevega-Sablan (PSS), SLDS project director
• Geralyn Dela Cruz (PSS), data governance manager
• Louie Dean Bautista (PSS), business intelligence analyst
• Clifford Aldan (NMC), director of information technology
• Liza Atalig (NMC), data reporting analyst
• Candy Feliciano (CNMI DOL), technical support engineer
The team launched with an initial coaching session with the Coleridge Initiative and held an in-person kickoff meeting on Jan. 23. The cohort runs through March, with the final project presentation scheduled for April 15.
“Being the only CNMI participant on the Hafa Data team came with a responsibility to bring that knowledge home,” said Cubangbang. “This opportunity of using secure, research-based data to answer a question that matters deeply: to what extent are our students successfully transitioning from high school into college or the trades, employment, or both? With the Coleridge Initiative, we can turn insight into action to strengthen pathways for the next generation of the workforce in the place I plan to call home for the rest of my life”.
“CNMI joining Coleridge for the first time is a milestone,” said Dr. Pladevega-Sablan. “It strengthens cross-agency collaboration and builds the technical and leadership capacity needed to turn data into action.”
About CNMI SLDS
The CNMI SLDS Program is a state initiative dedicated to collecting and integrating education and workforce data, bridging the gap between information and action. By providing valuable insights and tools, the program empowers policymakers, practitioners, and the public to make informed decisions that improve outcomes across the Commonwealth.
The CNMI SLDS team includes:
• Dr. Annette Pladevega-Sablan (project director)
• Jeaniffer Cubangbang (SLDS technical manager)
• Geralyn Dela Cruz (data governance manager)
• Ferdinand Ngirmekur (data privacy specialist)
• Louie Dean Bautista (BI analyst)
The SLDS is a collaborative effort supported by the U.S. Department of Education, state education agencies, and other stakeholders, including educators, researchers, and policymakers.
To learn more about the Statewide Longitudinal Data System, visit https://slds.cnmipss.org/.
