Policy Studies Associates (PSA) conducts research in education and youth development. Founded in 1982, PSA believes in the importance of using accurate information to guide decision making about education and youth development.

The studies PSA conducts for its clients span evaluation, policy analysis, and other forms of systematic inquiry. In these studies, PSA’s trained researchers integrate information from many sources to examine the operations and effects of programs to improve schooling and other services for children and youth. They draw on their expertise in research and evaluation design, data collection (using surveys, interviews, and observations), analysis, and reporting.

PSA’s clients include federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, and other organizations that aim to use high-quality data to make policy decisions. PSA’s evaluation and research studies have helped these organizations to:

• Understand program implementation and outcomes
• Inform policy and program improvement
• Share lessons learned