About Us
The University of New Mexico Evaluation Lab works to build evaluation capacity in non-profit community organizations and government agencies throughout New Mexico and to facilitate the development of sound state and local policies. Through competitive process, graduate fellows receive training in a two-semester course that includes foundational learning in the classroom and a practicum involving a collaborative evaluation project with community organizations. Faculty engaged in related research, staff research scientists from UNM’s policy centers, and experienced community evaluators supervise the practicum. Students, faculty, researchers, and participating organizations form an advisory board to the Lab and come together at an annual Expo to share ideas, experiences and knowledge. The Evaluation Lab is affiliated with the Master of Public Policy program at UNM and serves as a practicum requirement for all MPP graduate students.
The NeedProgram evaluation training is of growing interest to program funders, providers and students. Public and private funders are increasingly concerned that the money they spend demonstrates impact and be used effectively. In many federally funded programs, providers are encouraged, and in some cases required, to use evidence-based programs. At the same time, funders are aware of the dangers of limiting innovation and experimentation, which may be an unintended consequence of promoting a small number of programs that manage to attract the resources needed to run a randomized control trial. Funders would like to be able to support local, homegrown programs that can demonstrate their effectiveness.
Community organizations must be able to assess their own effectiveness, both to satisfy funders, and, more fundamentally, to improve service to their clients. These organizations often lack expertise in program evaluation.
Finally, students and community professionals across disciplines are keen on receiving training in program evaluation. Participants who have skills in decision making, assessment, evaluation, implementation, data collection, and analysis have strong employment opportunities in business, government, public health, and the non-profit sectors. Participation in the Evaluation Lab also provides students with networking opportunities to build a community of practice in their careers.
2024-2025 Eval Lab Fellows
