Actus Policy Research
Rigorous Answers to Critical Program and Policy Questions
Knowledge Seekers
Actus Policy Research was founded with a single mission: to develop information to improve the effectiveness of programs and policies. We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes, to ask and answer critical research questions related to program performance.
We provide federal, state, and local governments, non-profit and community-based organizations, federal grantees, and international organizations with deep content knowledge in the areas of workforce development, youth programming, international development, education, and juvenile
and criminal justice.
Contact us today and see what we can do for you.
Our Services
Policymakers and practitioners rely on rigorous information to know if their programs achieve what they are intended to achieve, how well they are doing it, and what can be done to improve program performance. Actus Policy Research improves the effectiveness of social programs and policies through evaluation, research and analysis, and technical assistance.
Program Evaluation
Our researchers develop robust evidence on program effectiveness and provide actionable recommendations. Using state-of-the-art design, including randomized control trial and quasi-experimental impact, outcome and process evaluation studies, we assess the effectiveness of social policy interventions.
Research and Analysis
We provide clients with information and expert insights about their policies and programs. We conduct literature reviews; prepare white papers; analyze quantitative and qualitative data; conduct interviews, focus groups and surveys; and prepare reports that are rigorous yet accessible to varied audiences. Our researchers have experience working with a wide range of clients, including the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Education, Arnold Ventures, the Philadelphia Energy Authority, and workforce agencies and grantees in more than 20 states.
Technical Assistance
With years of experience, our staff provides expert support to policymakers and practitioners to develop, monitor, and evaluate social policy interventions. We develop and administer surveys and create management information systems to monitor program activities and participant experiences. We analyze administrative data to inform program operations. Our team helps stakeholders identify program best practices, develop indicators of program success, and provide continuous feedback to improve program design and efficacy.
Learn More about Our Research and Evaluation Work
BRIGHT SOLAR FUTURES
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION IDIQ CONTRACTS
PowerCorpsPHL engages young adults in AmeriCorps training and service to support Philadelphia's prioritites related to workforce development, enviornmental stewardship, and youth violence prevention. Actus is implementing a quasi-experimental evaluation to assess the impact of the program on participants' labor, educational, and criminal justice outcomes.
Client: Philadelphia Energy Authority
Actus provided methodological and technical support to the State of Washington, Workforce Training and Education Consulting Board to support the design of a quasi-experimental impact and cost-benefit evaluation of Washington State's Workforce Training System.
Client: Philadelphia Energy Authority
Actus experts are part of a research team led by Summit Consulting to conduct an assessment of the root causes of improper payments associated with the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
Client: Philadelphia Energy Authority
POWER CORPS
PHILADELPHIA
WASHINGTON WORKFORCE TRAINING SYSTEM
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE IMPROPER PAYMENTS
Under subcontract to Summit Consulting, Actus is helping to assess the degree to which state Unemployment Insurance policies and practices drive claimant non-compliance with work search requirements.
Client: Philadelphia Energy Authority
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Bright Solar Futures program is preparing Philadelphia High School students and disengaged youth for careers in the solar industry. Under contract with the Philadelphia Energy Authority, Actus researchers are implementing a comprehensive evaluation to measure participants' educational and labor market outcomes.
Client: Philadelphia Energy Authority
Actus provides rigorous research and evaluation services and technical support for the College of William and Mary's Global Research Institute and third-party evaluations of federally-funded programs for Miami Dade College. This includes research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Client: Philadelphia Energy Authority
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORK SEARCH COMPLIANCE
BRIGHT SOLAR FUTURES PHILADELPHIA
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION IDIQ CONTRACTS
Who We Are
Actus Policy Research works with a team of highly-skilled researchers with advanced degrees in economics, public policy, and education, among others. We are experts in rigorous statistical methods and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Developing findings that are both rigorous and accessible, we work collaboratively with our clients to implement research-driven policy recommendations and program improvements. Read below to learn more
about our founder.
Eileen Poe-Yamagata
Founder and Principal Researcher
Eileen Poe-Yamagata brings 25 years of experience conducting and leading research and evaluations of complex social programs and policies. Whether it's leading a multi-year, multimillion-dollar research study for a federal client or a quick turnaround study for a local non-profit, Eileen has what it takes to make a project succeed.
Eileen has spent much of her career evaluating programs designed to reduce barriers to workforce participation among vulnerable populations, including youth, low-skilled workers, juvenile and adult offenders, and people with disabilities. She has successfully led numerous impact, outcome and implementation studies for the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Justice and has served as third-party evaluator for major grant initiatives for state, local and non-profit clients. Eileen holds an M.S. in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
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