Evaluating Social Programs
J-PAL's Evaluating Social Programs course equips participants with the tools to rigorously assess the impact of programs and policies using randomized evaluations.
This immersive, week-long training offers an in-depth look at why and when randomized evaluations can be used to rigorously measure social impact, methods and considerations for their design and implementation, and how findings can inform evidence-based policies and programs.
Taught by J-PAL affiliated professors and senior staff, the course is tailored to the needs of policymakers, practitioners, and researchers from NGOs, governments, international organizations, private sector companies, and foundations around the world. Participants will engage with coursework designed to help them apply learnings at their organizations through real-world examples.
Upcoming dates
For updates on upcoming courses, subscribe to our Course Announcements newsletter and visit our events page. Links to learn more and apply for Evaluating Social Programs courses will be added below as they become available.
| Host | 2025 dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| J-PAL Africa | July 21-25 | Cape Town |
| J-PAL MENA (Egypt Impact Lab) | TBA | Cairo |
| CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia | TBA | TBA |
Concepts covered
Participants will be introduced to the following key concepts:
- Why and when a rigorous impact evaluation is needed
- Developing a theory of change and measuring impact
- Key components of a high-quality randomized evaluation
- Common threats and pitfalls to the validity of experiments
- Determining an appropriate sample size to measure outcomes
- Strategies to maximize policy impact and assess the generalizability of research findings
To learn more about specific modules, please refer to our teaching resources page.
Download a sample agenda to see details of the course schedule.
Participant experience
Throughout the course, participants can expect to gain a thorough understanding of randomized evaluations and join a global community of practice with experts and peers who can provide support in the design and use of impact evaluations. Read more about how Evaluating Social Programs courses fostered impactful research and policy partnerships for past participants.
Participants at the 2023 Cambridge Evaluating Social Programs course at MIT. Photo: Lucy Nguyen
This course and the step-by-step approach has brought a lot of clarity about how there are so many ways you can do a randomized controlled trial.
Khuzama Khan, Director of Program Quality and Learning at Girl Rising
The typical participant is a mid-career professional with an interest in incorporating randomized evaluations into their work to inform decision-making. Participants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and organizations around the world.
Organizations of previous participants include:
| Arnold Ventures | Girls Who Code | McKinsey & Company |
| Gates Foundation | Save the Children USA | |
| BRAC | Inter-American Development Bank | Stanford University |
| FCDO | International Labour Organization | UN High Commissioner for Refugees |
| Federal Reserve Bank of Boston | J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation | Virginia Department of Social Services |
| UN Food and Agriculture Organization | King Khalid Foundation | World Bank Group |
Fees
Fee rates vary by region as well as by organization type and location in high-income or low/middle-income countries, as defined by World Bank Income Categories.
J-PAL Africa
| Organizations headquartered in high-income countries | Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-national/for-profit/foundation | USD 2,500 | USD 2,500 |
| Academic/research institution | USD 2,200 | USD 1,000 |
| Government | USD 2,200 | USD 900 |
| NGO | USD 1,500 | USD 800 |
| Graduate student | See note | See note |
Note: Determined on a case-by-case basis.
J-PAL Europe
| Organizations headquartered in high-income countries | Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries | |
|---|---|---|
| For-profit/foundation | EUR 3000 | EUR 2000 |
| Academic/research Institution | EUR 3000 | EUR 1500 |
| Intergovernmental organization | EUR 3000 | EUR 3000 |
| Government | EUR 3000 | EUR 1500 |
| International NGOs | EUR 3000 | EUR 3000 |
| Local NGOs | EUR 3000 | EUR 750 |
J-PAL Global and J-PAL North America (US)
| Organizations headquartered in high-income countries | Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries | |
| For-profit, foundation, or intergovernmental organization | USD 4,100 | USD 4,100 |
| Academic or research Institution | USD 4,100 | USD 2,900 |
| National government | USD 4,100 | USD 2,900 |
| State, county, or municipal government | USD 2,900 | USD 1,800 |
| NGO (operating budget > $10M) | USD 2,900 | USD 1,800 |
| NGO (operating budget < $10M) | USD 2,300 | USD 1,800 |
J-PAL Latin America and the Caribbean
| Organizations headquartered in high-income countries | Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries | |
|---|---|---|
| For-profit/foundation | USD 2000 | USD 2000 |
| Academic/research institution | USD 1500 | USD 1250 |
| Intergovernmental organization | USD 2000 | USD 2000 |
| Government | USD 1500 | USD 1500 |
| International NGOs | USD 2000 | USD 2000 |
| Local NGOs | USD 1200 | USD 950 |
| Students | USD 950 | USD 500 |
J-PAL/CLEAR South Asia
| Organization type | Course fee |
|---|---|
| Multilateral Organization / For-profit / Foundations / Donors | INR 85,000 |
| NGO / Non-Profit / Social Enterprises | INR 55,000 |
| Government / Academic institutions | INR 45,000 |
| Individual researchers / Individuals without organizational affiliation / Students | INR 35,000 |
Please note that all course fees are inclusive of 18% GST.
J-PAL Southeast Asia
| Organizations headquartered in high-income countries | Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries | |
|---|---|---|
| For-profit/foundation | USD 2000 | USD 750 |
| Academic/research institution | USD 2000 | USD 750 |
| Multilateral, bilateral, and intergovernmental organizations | USD 2000 | USD 750 |
| Government | USD 2000 | USD 750 |
| NGO | USD 1000 | USD 750 |
| Graduate student | USD 500 | USD 500 |
FAQs
Applying to the course
How often is Evaluating Social Programs offered?
Evaluating Social Programs is offered annually by several J-PAL offices, usually in June, July, or August. We also offer a free, self-paced online version of Evaluating Social Programs, allowing individuals to complete the course on their own schedule. To stay informed on upcoming courses, subscribe to our Course Announcements newsletter.
What is the criteria for admission?
Although there are no fixed requirements, selection for admission is based on applicants’ organizational responsibilities and organizations’ alignment with J-PAL’s mission of reducing poverty through evidence-informed policy. Some familiarity with economics and basic statistical concepts is helpful, though not required.
When can I expect to hear back about the outcome of my application?
Admission decisions will typically be available within one to two weeks of the application closing date. While the review process may vary by host office, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
Do you offer visa support?
Yes, we can provide a visa support letter for accepted applicants upon request.
Fees
When do I have to submit my payment for the course?
We typically require payment at least one month before the course date.
What is covered under the course fees?
Course fees cover tuition and typically include breakfast, lunch, beverages, and snacks for the duration of the course, as well as a reception. Travel and accommodation are not covered by the course fees.
Are there scholarships available for the course?
The number of scholarships available is typically limited, but we do offer fee reductions based on region and area of work.