This brief examines strategies for leveraging State longitudinal data systems (SLDS) to promote college and career readiness (CCR) goals. The examples provided are based on current state efforts to use their state longitudinal data systems to achieve their CCR vision and goals. The following information outlines the basic purpose and elements of SLDS and describes a set of emerging practices that serve as examples of how states use SLDS to support CCR. This information may be useful to states that are currently reexamining these efforts in light of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Although the use of SLDS to promote CCR is still in its early stages, several states have experienced success with such efforts. The emerging practices described in this brief offer ideas for how states can either develop or enhance SLDS in order to better prepare students for college and career. Given widespread federal support for SLDS, states should be well-positioned to leverage opportunities for enhancing CCR through their SLDS. [The authors acknowledge the assistance of Kate Sandel, Bob Swiggum, Brett Carter, and Jared Knowles.]