The State Department of Education, Maryland Higher Education Commission, University System of Maryland, Morgan State University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Maryland Department of Labor jointly shall establish the Maryland Longitudinal Data System that shall be fully operational by December 31, 2014. The Maryland Longitudinal Data System is a statewide data system that contains individual–level student data and workforce data from all levels of education and the State’s workforce, and allows the Center to: Effectively organize, manage, disaggregate, and analyze individual student data; and Examine student progress and outcomes over time, including preparation for postsecondary education and the workforce. The linkage of student data and workforce data for the purposes of the Maryland Longitudinal Data System shall be limited to no longer than 20 years from the date of latest attendance in any educational institution in the State. The purpose of the Maryland Longitudinal Data System is to: Generate timely and accurate information about student performance that can be used to improve the State’s education system and guide decision makers at all levels; and Facilitate and enable the linkage of student data and workforce data.