How can Illinois make sure every education and workforce dollar delivers results for students, workers, and businesses? By investing in the Illinois Longitudinal Data System (ILDS).
In an op-ed published on September 13, 2025, by Crain’s Chicago Business, Executive Director Kyle Westbrook and Advance Illinois President Robin Steans make the case that continued investment in the ILDS is a business imperative for the State of Illinois. Through the ILDS, state agencies can connect data across education and workforce programs, allowing policymakers to answer critical questions, such as:
- Which training programs lead to higher wages?
- Are students gaining the skills needed for tomorrow’s careers?
- Where are Illinois’ strongest talent pipelines—and where are the workforce gaps?
As Illinois seeks to strengthen its economy, the ILDS serves as the infrastructure that ensures decisions are data-informed, rather than based on guesswork.
Read the full op-ed in Crain’s Chicago Business (registration required).
