Beyond Government: Building Research Capacity Through State Partnerships

• In Event: State Research Partnerships: Using Administrative Data to Build Evidence

Abstract

In 1969, Donald Campbell challenged policymakers to become active participants in an “experimenting society,” embracing a cycle of trial, testing, and revision rooted in evidence. Yet over fifty years later, many state agencies still struggle to realize this vision. They sit at the frontline of implementation—managing federal programs, crafting state initiatives, and working closely with local communities—but often lack the technical infrastructure and research capacity to systematically evaluate what works.

This presentation spotlights an ambitious “beyond government” approach to evidence building, led by Isaac Kwakye of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). Through a growing portfolio of collaborative research with MDRC and other partners, WSAC is investing in cross-sector partnerships that blend rigorous methods with on-the-ground insight. The result is research that is both credible and deeply contextualized—more actionable, equitable, and responsive to local needs.

The presentation draws on four current initiatives in Washington State that exemplify this bidirectional model of learning:

1. Washington College Grant Evaluation – Investigates whether need-based aid, one of the state’s most significant educational investments, is translating into meaningful increases in postsecondary enrollment and success. The study is not just about outcomes, but about improving how aid is delivered and communicated to students.

2. Sequences to Success Project – Maps the diverse postsecondary and career journeys of Washington’s youth, identifying which sequences lead to upward mobility. It then builds tools—like student-facing dashboards and policy briefs—to make those findings practical for both students and policymakers.

3. OtterBot Evaluation (OTTERS) – Enhances an AI-driven chatbot that helps students navigate financial aid. This project applies cutting-edge engagement research to improve the reach and equity of digital supports, with a particular focus on historically underserved communities.

4. Evaluation of Virtual Mental Health Services – Explores how students experience contracted telehealth services across Washington’s colleges, with the goal of informing decisions on mental health delivery and access.

What binds these efforts is not a single program or outcome, but a shared commitment to capacity-building, mutual learning, and translating research into practical tools for decision-making. By pairing state-specific knowledge with MDRC’s research expertise, these partnerships exemplify APPAM’s 2025 theme: advancing policy research through cross-sector collaboration and evidence for equitable outcomes.

This presentation will describe how this agenda is reshaping WSAC’s role—not just as an education agency, but as an incubator of policy-relevant research. It will offer insights for other states, researchers, and funders seeking to operationalize Campbell’s vision in the modern policy landscape.

Author

• Isaac Kwakye, Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
  Presenting Author