This workshop, the IES Methods Training in Economic Evaluation: Cost-Effectiveness and Benefit-Cost Analysis, is a week-long course for education researchers. The one-week IES Training in Economic Evaluation equips professionals with the tools, resources, and hands-on experience needed to apply economic evaluation to their own work.
Through expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and real-world applications, participants learn how to identify and price ingredients, and use data to inform stakeholder decision-making. By the end of the program, you'll be prepared to conduct economic evaluations that support informed decisions and drive meaningful change.

The training team includes Dr. Brooks Bowden (Penn GSE), Dr. Clive Belfield (Queens College, CUNY), Dr. Rob Shand (American University), and Dr. Viviana Rodriguez (University of Texas, San Antonio). The course may also feature guest presentations from faculty and practitioners across the country.

The 2025 training will serve 25 trainees. Participants will be selected based on several criteria:

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in social sciences or field related to education, or a master's degree with significant experience.

• Following IES requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.

• Participants must establish that they have a clear and intended application of the CEA/BCA method.

• Preference will be given to researchers engaged in or committed to performing an evaluation of a particular education reform.

• Basic economics training can be helpful, but this is not a requirement for participation and the spirit of the program encourages broad participation across the education sciences.

Funding for this 5-day course is provided by the Institute of Education Sciences, and there is no fee for participants. The program will also provide lodging support for participants at a hotel near the University of Pennsylvania campus. However, participants are responsible for their travel and meals.

Applicants have the option to apply as a small team of up to four members. We have found that attending with your team allows for deeper learning and project development. 

If you plan to apply with a group, all group members must submit their own, individual application. There will be a section in the application to list your team members so we may consider your application as a group.