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.

About the Course

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.

Table  1 2024 Course Dates
Host Dates Location Language
J-PAL MENA (Egypt Impact Lab) January 15-17  Cairo Arabic & English
J-PAL Global & J-PAL North America June 24-28  Cambridge English
J-PAL Africa August 19-23  Accra English
J-PAL Southeast Asia TBC TBC TBC
CLEAR/J-PAL South Asia TBC  Delhi English

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

 

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. 

 

This image is a group photo of participants, lecturers, and J-PAL Staff at the 2023 Evaluating Social Programs course in Cambridge.
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
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Google 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 $4,100 $4,100
Academic or research Institution $4,100 $2,900
National government $4,100 $2,900
State, county, or municipal government $2,900 $1,800
NGO (operating budget > $10M) $2,900 $1,800
NGO (operating budget < $10M) $2,300 $1,800

J-PAL Latin America & 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

  Organizations headquartered in high-income countries Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries
For-profit/foundation INR 40,000 INR 30,000
Academic/research institution INR 35,000 INR 25,000
Government INR 35,000 INR 20,000
NGO INR 35,000 INR 20,000
Graduate students INR 35,000 INR 20,000

J-PAL Southeast Asia

  Organizations headquartered in high-income countries Organizations headquartered in low and middle-income countries
For-profit/foundation USD 2000 USD 1000
Academic/research institution USD 2000 USD 750
Multilateral, bilateral, and intergovernmental organizations USD 2000 USD 2000
Government USD 2000 USD 750
NGO USD 1000 USD 600
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.

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