At this year’s Talent Strong Florida Summit, one of the most compelling sessions underscores the direct link between education and opportunity: CFEED: Interactive Readiness Model – Driving Opportunity for All in K-12 and Higher Education. This session will explore how the Central Florida Education Ecosystem Database (CFEED) is revolutionizing student success through data-driven strategies that reinforce the summit’s theme—Higher Education, Higher Rewards.
In an innovative data-sharing initiative, CFEED brings together Orange County Public Schools, The School District of Osceola County, Valencia College, and the University of Central Florida. By leveraging advanced predictive models—applied to Transfer Readiness, Post-Secondary Readiness, and Transfer Shock—CFEED provides insights helping to bridge access gaps and improve student outcomes.
“Access to high-quality data is critical for designing targeted interventions that ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed,” said Braulio Colón, FCAN’s executive director. “CFEED’s collaborative work is a model for how institutions can work together to drive better outcomes for all students.”
As part of this effort, CFEED is applying its data-driven approach to align educational pathways with local employment demands—particularly in Central Florida’s high-demand hospitality industry. The session will highlight how structured pathways in hospitality programs—from K-12 to Valencia and UCF—help students achieve long-term success. Discussions will explore factors such as early exposure to hospitality coursework, participation in dual enrollment programs, earning industry certifications, and following structured degree pathways that lead to higher retention and stronger workforce outcomes.
“By using data to pinpoint key moments in a student’s educational journey, we can proactively provide the right support at the right time,” said Diana Pienaar, CFEED’s director. “This collaborative approach ensures that students are not only accessing higher education but also equipped to complete it—unlocking the long-term rewards that come with earning a degree.”
Attendees will gain actionable insights on how strategic collaboration, shared data governance, and data-driven decision-making can strengthen student retention, increase college enrollment, and better align education with workforce needs —demonstrating that higher education truly leads to higher rewards.
Register to attend the 2025 Talent Strong Florida Summit and discover how data-driven strategies are just one of the many ways Florida’s education, economic, and community leaders are shaping the future of education and workforce success. Register today to take advantage of early bird rates—available until March 31st!
Secure your spot now: www.fcansummit.org