Where Research Meets Reality-Partnering for Ohio’s Future

The Excellence in Engagement and Evaluation team at The Ohio State University’s Center on Education and Training for Employment partners with state agencies to turn research into real-world results.

We combine meaningful engagement with rigorous, data-informed strategies to improve practices, programs, and systems across Ohio and beyond. 

We design collaborative processes that elevate partner voice, enable data-driven decisions, and improve outcomes.

With over 20 years of experience, our team supports agencies in:

  • meeting mandates
  • demonstrating impact
  • delivering responsive and effective programs

Partnering with State Agencies to Drive Real-World Change

Engagement & Collaboration

  • Engaging and elevating community voices

  • Facilitating interagency collaboration and coordination

  • Supporting strategic communication and dissemination of research-informed tools and strategies

Evaluation & Data-Informed Decision Making

  • Translating research into program and system-wide improvements 

  • Designing and implementing community-centered program and policy evaluations 

  • Collecting, analyzing, and visualizing quantitative and qualitative data 

  • Developing logic models and theories of change to guide program development 

Capacity Building & Systems Support

  • Building workforce capacity through professional development and tailored supports 

  • Supporting program design, implementation, and continuous improvement 

     

We proudly collaborate with Ohio state agencies, past and present, including:

  • Education and Workforce  

  • Job and Family Services  

  • Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities 

  • Mental Health and Addiction Services  

  • Health

  • Youth Services 

Why State Agencies Choose Us

Sustainable impact happens when communities lead, data guides, and systems respond. We bring integrity, agility, and cross-functional expertise to help agencies deliver on that promise.

Let’s explore how we can support your agency’s goals

Sponsor Testimonial

“The Excellence in Engagement and Evaluation Team brought exceptional professionalism, thoughtfulness, and rigor to every phase of the evaluation. Their use of a nationally recognized framework for family-school partnerships ensured that our evaluation was grounded in best practices and aligned with our district’s goals.”

-Keith Langford, Supervisor of the Office of Family and Community Engagement  for the Shaker Heights Schools