Our Work

Research & Evaluation

Research

Many communities face unequal opportunities and lack access to education, financial independence, and other resources that make it possible for people to live happy and healthy lives. Our research investigates the structural barriers that lead to inequitable opportunities, and the bridges that help individuals overcome these barriers. ResearchEd has in depth expertise on exploring these issues as it relates to federal, state, and local education policy issues, topics in community college research, and rural student access and success.

If you are interested in working with us on a research project that falls outside of these areas, please get in touch! Our team has a wide range of expertise beyond these topics and we are happy to explore if we are the right fit for your research needs. As part of all of our research we conduct quantitative data analysis of both public and proprietary data sources. We also are able to offer survey design and distribution, focus groups, interviews and other qualitative research methods.

Evaluation

Our evaluation approach focuses on participatory evaluation, and collaborative asset-based impact evaluation models. Our team is skilled at process evaluation to understand how programs are being implemented, impact evaluation to understand program outcomes, and analyzing program scalability and replicability.

ResearchEd develops evaluation plans collaboratively with our partners and clients. Our evaluations are developed with human centered design practices, and our focus is to always ensure that we include relevant community stakeholders in our design process.

We believe that our collaborative approach to evaluation helps to build trust, promote community engagement, and actually add value to projects through the evaluation process. We specialize in evaluations of rural programs, and recognize that traditional metrics of program success are not always relevant or applicable in rural contexts. We believe our collaborative approach is especially necessary in rural communities to ensure the inclusion of community voice and a broader definition of success.

Strategic Advising & Advocacy

Strategic Support through Grantmaking

ResearchEd works with philanthropic organizations to advise on strategic investments that represent authentic engagement with communities and grantees. Our focus is on avoiding “parachute philanthropy” and promoting meaningful engagement with communities to ensure that communities are effective stewards of philanthropic dollars and that investments are made in a way that supports long term community thriving. To this end, ResearchEd’s team is available to work with non-profit organizations with fundraising support and advisement, conduct data and reporting analysis on philanthropic giving for funders and non-profits, and we offer strategic advising and RFP review for foundations.

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Advocacy

ResearchEd’s advocacy services empower students and student advocates with training in effective storytelling and other strategies to promote equitable policy solutions at the local, state, and federal level. ResearchEd staff have experience working with state and federal legislators, and will help your team build relationships with the appropriate offices to help educate them about the issues that matter to your community. Our policy areas of expertise include rural education, rural community development, college access and success, student loans, and more. With our team of capable researchers and advocates we are willing to work with you on policy issues that may be outside of these topics as well.

Advocacy Services

Advocacy Training Sessions

One hour up to half day sessions available. Trainings can be conducted virtually, in person, or hybrid.

Collaborative Strategic Advocacy Planning

Work with ResearchEd to co-design an advocacy & education strategic plan to help achieve your organization’s goals.

Customized Toolkits and Resources

Development of issue area one pagers, “leave behind” documents for policy makers, long form research white papers.

“One off” Issue Area Support

Rapid response writing, strategy, and dissemination services to respond to proposed legislation.

Data Training & Technical Assistance

ResearchEd provides direct support to postsecondary institutions looking to increase their institutional research capacity and data literacy. ResearchEd provides technical assistance to campus-based staff at institutions responsible for creating and submitting annual data files to the National Student Clearinghouse, quarterly submissions to IPEDS, and other submissions as needed. The work consists of providing technical assistance to institutions with services including responding to individual inquiries, conducting trainings and webinars, and creating and organizing materials in support of this work such as customized data tools to improve institutions’ ability to more seamlessly submit data, and to more easily analyze data on campus to support student success. Our goal in this work is to support institutions towards building more data informed culture so that institutional research offices can be strong partners in supporting institutional effectiveness and student success and to support them in expanding their capacity such that they can continue to do the work without long term external support.

Community Building & Knowledge Sharing

At ResearchEd, we specialize in creating meaningful connections and amplifying knowledge to drive positive change. Through expertly planned events, facilitated discussions, and collaborative networks, we help organizations achieve shared goals and spark innovation. Our knowledge dissemination services ensure that your insights and findings are not only accessible but impactful, reaching the audiences that matter most.

By fostering communities of practice, we enable organizations to harness collective expertise, driving continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation that leads to lasting change. Our event planning and facilitation support is designed to create impactful platforms that promote research and facilitate the sharing of knowledge across the field, helping to connect experts, generate new ideas, and advance collective understanding. Whether virtual, in-person, or hybrid, our tailored solutions are designed to meet your unique needs and amplify your mission.

Event Planning and Facilitation

Design and execute engaging workshops, conferences, and convenings
Create panel content, invite panelists, coordinate planning Facilitation of productive discussions to achieve shared goals
Virtual, in-person, and hybrid event options tailored to your needs

Communities of Practice

Support in developing and sustaining collaborative networks
Guidance on creating spaces for shared learning and peer support
Tools and strategies to enhance collective problem-solving and innovation

Knowledge Dissemination

Create accessible resources to share findings from research reports or convenings
Design visually engaging and informative reports, briefs, and presentations
Develop strategies to broaden the reach and impact of your organization’s knowledge