Rhode Island DataHUB

About the DataHub The Rhode Island DataHUB connects data across sectors to support research and analysis that informs policy making and program evaluation to improve the well-being of all Rhode Islanders. The RI DataHUB uses the power of linked data to inform and inspire innovative decision making and research. In 2009 the Rhode Island DataHub was created, establishing a statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) in RI to integrate and link data from various agencies and organizations. Over the past decade, Rhode Island has worked to increase partnerships between state and local agencies to foster cross-sector problem solving. The DataHUB brings together data sets from multiple federal, state and local sources on the early childhood, K-12, Postsecondary and workforce continuum. Linking across agencies allows new information and patterns to emerge, cross-agency collaboration to evolve, and new insights to be discovered. Integrated, longitudinal data systems are needed to ensure that informed decisions routinely occur across organizations with the speed and flexibility required for real-time decision making. Data Stories and Reports Data Stories and Reports are the best places to begin exploring. Data Reports are pre-made graphs that allow you examine a specific topic. Data Stories are interactive slideshows or scrolling stories that guide you through data related to a policy question. Data Sources Data are currently integrated from partnering agencies and organizations across Rhode Island including: the RI Department of Education (RIDE), the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (RIOPC), the Rhode Island Department of Labor and training (DLT), and the RI Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). National sources include the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Census. Funders Initial funding and support for the DataHUB was provided by federal Department of Education and Department of Labor Grants supporting the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) Grant Program and the Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI), respectively. Current funding comes from participating state agencies, community partners and researchers. Funders of the DataHUB include: RI Department of Education, RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, RI Department of Health, and RI Department of Labor and Training. DataHUB Technical Partners The DataHUB database and web tools are developed, maintained, and operated by DataSpark, a program unit of The University of Rhode Island. The visualization software integrated into the web portal (Weave) is in development by the Open Indicators Consortium (OIC). About DataSpark DataSpark is a leader in promoting the use of data for decision making and community action in Rhode Island. With a diverse team of staff from varying disciplines, DataSpark maintains and operates the Rhode Island DataHUB which contains over 70 different datasets from 20 data sources including multiple state agencies, local governments, and independent non-profits. Aggregated and curated data analyses are produced for state and community partners, researchers, and analysts to help measure impact, support interdisciplinary research, and inform policy decisions. For more information, contact dataspark@etal.uri.edu.