Social Policy Research Associates (SPR)

Social Policy Research Associates (SPR) is a nationally recognized research, evaluation, and technical assistance firm located in Oakland, California. We specialize in providing rigorous and responsive services related to education, youth development, job training, and social services. Our work places a high priority on the promotion of equity and self determination within diverse communities and among diverse populations.

SPR recognizes that effective research must be accessible to practitioners and policymakers. Through research-based technical assistance, SPR has helped a range of clients, including practitioners in the field of youth development and civic activism, reflect on and improve their work.

SPR's philosophy on training and technical assistance emphasizes the following principals:

Making complex topics accessible to practitioners. Often practitioners need knowledge and skills in complex areas-such as data collection and data analysis. SPR's approach is to break these complex topics down into smaller, manageable modules and to present the information in non-technical, practical language.
Understanding potential barriers to change. Often the lack of knowledge is not the only barrier to change. We believe it is critical to recognize other environmental constraints-from staff resistance to inadequate funding-and provide practical strategies for overcoming those barriers.
Promoting peer-to-peer sharing. Peer-to-peer sharing of information can effectively demonstrate the feasibility of high-quality practices. To promote this exchange of ideas, we often include a panel of expert practitioners in our presentations to share their "real world" strategies.
Promoting active learning. "Learning by doing" is the most effective way to acquire new skills. Our training frequently includes exercises for attendees to apply their new skills.

Many of the tools presented on this website stem directly from SPR's evaluation work with non-profit youth-serving agencies. We thank them for their expertise, inspiration, and willingness to learn and teach.