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.
Event Date: 2026-10-30 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-10-28
Navigating the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and evaluation practice presents new challenges and opportunities for evaluators. This course aims to demystify AI by demonstrating how emerging tools can be thoughtfully integrated throughout the evaluation process to strengthen practice, increase efficiency, support methodological rigor, and contribute to the meaningful use of evaluation. Participants will explore how AI can support key stages of evaluation while critically examining the ethical and practical implications of AI use in diverse contexts. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining evaluator judgment, protecting interest holder voice, and promoting equity in AI-assisted evaluations. Participants will use simulation-based software to apply AI tools in a realistic evaluation context. Working with program documents, interest holder information, and qualitative and quantitative data, participants will have opportunities to practice using AI across multiple stages of an evaluation while making decisions about the appropriateness and responsible use of these tools.
Event Date: 2026-11-02 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-10-29
AI-powered tools are rapidly transforming how data is analyzed, interpreted, and communicated. This course provides an accessible introduction to leveraging AI throughout the evaluation process—from literature review, research design, and data analytics, to writing reports and preparing presentations. Our goal is to explore the capabilities of AI across evaluation; where it’s strong, and where it should be avoided. Topics include AI-driven data cleaning and exploration, automating statistical analysis, enhancing visualizations, and using AI for reporting. We will also cover best practices for evaluating AI-generated outputs and avoiding common pitfalls. The course is designed for professionals who are already comfortable with fundamental statistical concepts and are ready to explore how AI can support and extend their analytical capabilities. This course is ideal for applied researchers, evaluators, and data professionals who are familiar with basic statistical analysis and are looking to incorporate AI tools into their workflow.