How to Get Involved

The Education Policy Initiative provides an opportunity for current University of Michigan students (Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D.) to learn more about education policy and improve education outcomes by attending education policy events, training in research methods and conducting research.

3 ways to get involved

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1) Learn more about education policy

Please join EPI for special events to hear from expert education scholars, policy makers and practitioners who will talk about the different ways education policies and practices improve outcomes for children and reduce long-term inequalities.
EPI's Events Page
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2) Get trained in research methods

If you are interested in building your research skills, EPI faculty and staff offer a range of training opportunities. We invite members of the U-M community to take courses, such as our causal inference methods in education policy course sequence. For those learning to apply this methods training, you are encouraged to attend our weekly seminar series; Causal Inference in Education Policy Research. Finally, we offer a training program for U-M PhD students called the CIEPR fellowship program. Learn more on the training programs page of EPI's website.
EPI's Training Page
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3) Work on an active project

EPI offers opportunities to U-M bachelors, masters, or Ph.D.students to get involved and working on active research projects. These opportunities are aimed at building and deepening research skills, as well as knowledge and expertise in education policy. Participants gain experience working with EPI faculty and staff, in partnership with education policymakers and practitioners, as well as other U-M students. To learn more about our active projects, find them on our research page. If you're interested in being a research assistant, please send your resume and statement of interest to [email protected].
EPI's Research Page

Interested in becoming an RA? Find more information about joining our team!
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Hear from past students

Alex Baum Profile Pic
Research Analyst, Mathematica

Alex Baum, MPP '22

Alex worked on important research for EPI, producing a policy brief, "Increasing Economic Diversity at a Flagship University." Baum also worked with EPI on the evaluation of Michigan’s third grade reading law and Michigan comprehensive literacy grant evaluation. During the summer between his two years at the Ford School, he worked in the executive office for Governor Whitmer, reporting to the education policy advisor to the Governor. “My experience at EPI has directly prepared me for the role at Mathematica. In fact, collaborating with a Mathematica researcher on an EPI project is what ultimately led me to apply for the job! I’m deeply grateful to the EPI team for the support and opportunities they have afforded me, and for the doors EPI has opened for my career,” he says.
Emma Brown Profile Picture
UI/UX Designer at University of Michigan Library, Design & Discovery

Emma Brown, BSI '22

I was a graphic designer for EPI, and I assisted our team with the creation and release of EPI's new website. I loved working for EPI because I was given so many opportunities to learn and practice skills outside of my work as a graphic designer - I also assisted with coding projects, web design, and web content development. The team was so supportive and Nicole and Kyle were a huge help as I found a full-time job as a UX Designer.
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Master of Public Policy

Alexia Carrillo, MPP '23

During my experience with EPI, I had the opportunity to work on the Qualitative Education Policy Project team. This research highlighted crucial factors that low-income, rural high school seniors consider when confronting barriers to higher education access. From this work, I gained knowledge on the key factors besides affordability that students consider when deciding their paths toward postsecondary education. EPI reminded me of my passion for education. This experience provided the foundation for wanting to continue doing research and advocate for affordability and accessibility in higher education. My plan is to move forward in my career by getting involved in shaping education policy.

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