Event Date: 2026-10-26 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-10-22
In today’s increasingly data-driven world, the ability to clearly communicate the insights in one’s data is more important than ever. Data visualizations can help make data and analyses more easily understood, accessible, and impactful to broader audiences. In this introductory course, participants will learn the fundamentals of creating effective data visualizations, including how to identify interesting stories in their data, how to choose appropriate chart forms to convey that story, and how to finesse the design of their charts to maximize the impact of the message being conveyed. This course will be interactive and hands-on, with opportunities to practice creating charts using DataWrapper or a tool of the participant’s choosing. Ultimately, participants will create a visualization using their own data that applies the concepts covered in this course.
Contemporary evaluation theory and practice are changing rapidly to adapt to a new and evolving evaluation ecosystem. This course is designed to explore the basics needed to be a successful evaluator and applied researcher in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Guided by the American Evaluation Association (AEA) foundational documents including the AEA evaluator competencies and public statement on cultural competence, this course will provide new and emerging evaluators, and applied researchers, with an up-to-date perspectives on evaluation theory, approaches, methods, and practice. Although the major focus of the course is program evaluation in multiple settings (e.g., public health, education, social services, business, and international development), examples from personnel evaluation, product evaluation, organizational evaluation, and systems evaluation will be used to illustrate the basics. The course will conclude with how to plan, design, and conduct ethical and high-quality program evaluations using AI and a and culturally responsive approach.
Event Date: 2026-10-27 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-10-23
Program evaluations are often complex, challenging, multi-faceted endeavors that require evaluators to juggle the needs of interest holders, funder requirements, data collection logistics, and their internal teams. Fortunately, many of these challenges can be minimized with effective evaluation management. In this interactive workshop, we provide tools, resources, and strategies to help evaluators manage their evaluations successfully. Using case studies, mini-lectures, and group discussions, we explore traditional evaluation management practices, focusing on the processes and logistics of how to manage an evaluation team and the entire evaluation process from project initiation and contracting through final reporting. This workshop will build participants’ evaluation management toolkit by introducing four essential, experience-tested strategies that will elevate participants’ project management game. The course will consider project management concepts and strategies that can be used regardless of the project management tools or system employed. This course will not focus on project management software selection or use.
Event Date: 2026-10-28 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-10-26
Qualitative inquiries use in-depth interviews, focus groups, observational methods, document analysis, and case studies to provide rich descriptions of people, programs, and community processes. To be credible and useful, the unique sampling, design, and analysis approaches of qualitative methods must be understood and used. Qualitative data can be used for various purposes including evaluating individualized outcomes, capturing program processes, exploring a new area of interest, and humanizing evaluations by portraying the people and stories behind the numbers. This class will cover the basics of qualitative evaluation, including design, case selection (purposeful sampling), data collection techniques, and beginning analysis. Ways of increasing the rigor and credibility of qualitative evaluations will be examined. Mixed methods approaches will be included. Alternative qualitative strategies and innovative directions will complete the course. The strengths and weaknesses of various qualitative methods will be identified. Exercises will provide experience in applying qualitative methods and analysis in evaluations.
This course provides public health practitioners with a practical, skills-based introduction to program evaluation using the CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health as a guiding structure. Participants will learn how to design and implement high-quality evaluations that improve program effectiveness, strengthen decision-making, and support accountability to stakeholders. Through simulated scenarios, learners will practice applying core evaluation competencies—such as developing logic models, engaging stakeholders, selecting appropriate methods, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating findings clearly. Each module integrates opportunities for hands-on application and individualized feedback, with an emphasis on translating evaluation concepts into practical tools that can be used immediately in public health settings. By the end of the course, participants will be able to apply evaluation skills confidently and strategically to enhance programs in their own professional contexts.