Workforce Development Projects

In partnership with Mt. Auburn Associates, PPI is working closely with staff at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to evaluate collective impact efforts designed to create locally-responsive career pathways to skilled jobs. The comprehensive evaluation includes implementation and outcome assessment that supports data-driven reflection of progress over time.

PPI is conducting expansive analysis for the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning to understand trends in credit for prior learning participation and to explore college-going decisions among underrepresented students to identify implications for post-secondary institutions seeking to expand access and success for all learners.

In partnership with Mt. Auburn Associates, PPI completed a case study investigation For the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Sciences on the role of libraries in the workforce and small business development ecosystem, and their capacity to measure and communicate program outcomes.

In partnership with ECONorthwest, PPI conducted robust community engagement, data collection, and analysis for the state Higher Education Coordinating Commission to identify industry occupation and skill demand among Oregon employers in key growth industries. The assessment resulted in recommendations to adapt workforce development infrastructure to better match education and training with industry needs.

PPI partnered with Bloom Associates on a rigorous, multi-method needs assessment to investigate the experience of individuals with disabilities in their access to and participation in vocational rehabilitation services. Assessment findings identified access barriers, service needs, and recommended changes to system infrastructure.

For the Ford Family Foundation, PPI is conducting a formative and developmental evaluation of a statewide pilot effort to develop rural entrepreneurial ecosystems as a key community workforce and economic development strategy that delivers robust local economies and community wellbeing.

Supported by the Ford Family Foundation, PPI completed primary data collection, literature review, and assessment of the postsecondary transfer policy landscape in Oregon to understand progress, status, and challenges to improving transfer policy and student post-secondary outcomes.