public policy
Evaluating Early Childhood Programs: What the Data Say
Early childhood programs—like preschool, home visiting, and early intervention services—are critical investments in a child’s future. But how effective are they really? What does ...
Simple Guide to Theory of Change for Government Programs
A Theory of Change (ToC) is a powerful tool that helps government agencies and public programs clearly explain how their activities are expected to ...
Importance of Stakeholder Engagement in Program Evaluation
Stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of effective program evaluation—especially in the public and nonprofit sectors. When evaluations are designed and carried out with the ...
What Is Cost-Benefit Analysis in Government Programs
When governments plan new programs or consider changing existing ones, they need to weigh the expected costs against the anticipated benefits. That’s where cost-benefit ...
Applied Data & Evaluation ScienceData-Driven Policy: How Numbers Shape Government Decisions
Governments today face growing pressure to deliver smarter, more effective policies. With limited resources and rising public expectations, the ability to use data strategically ...
How Focus Groups Help Shape Government Policy
Focus groups are a powerful, human-centered tool for shaping effective and inclusive government policy. Unlike surveys or administrative data, focus groups provide rich, qualitative ...
How Government Uses Data to Reduce Poverty and Inequality
In 2025, governments are increasingly turning to data as a key tool in the fight against poverty and inequality. With rising public expectations for ...
How U.S. Federal Agencies Use Research to Shape Social Programs
Government programs don’t just emerge from political will—they’re often shaped by deep research and evidence. U.S. federal agencies regularly rely on data, studies, and ...
The Importance of Evidence-Based Policy in 2025
In 2025, the value of evidence-based policy has never been more critical. As global challenges become increasingly complex—from climate change and economic inequality to ...
