This profile uniquely presents a variety of educational and socioeconomic information for Santa Cruz County, nearby counties, and the state. The profile highlights the relationship between various factors that affect the economic well-being of individuals and communities. This presentation provides a framework for enhanced communication and collaboration between the myriad agencies, at both the state and local level, that have responsibility for education, economic development, workforce training, or social services. The relationship between educational attainment and income is clearly depicted by the maps on pages 4 and 10. These maps, along with the other data presented in the profile, unmistakably show how socioeconomic conditions vary from place to place in California. This geographic variation must be taken into consideration in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies to give Californians better opportunities to succeed in school and in life. Highlights for the county include: 43% of recent high school graduates completed college preparatory courses, compared to 35% statewide; 22% of recent high school graduates entered CSU or UC, compared to 18% statewide; and 34% of the county population has a Bachelor's or higher-level degree, compared to 27% statewide.