Let's work together
APL Research customizes our consulting services based on the unique needs of your group and the input of your key stakeholders. We can mix and match across services as needed.
Led by Dr. Meghan Manfra, APL Research brings 25+ years of research and evaluation experience to every engagement.
Assess
Evidence that matters.
Research + Evaluation
We translate your program activities into measurable outcomes, ensuring you have the data needed to sustain funding and demonstrate real-world impact.
- Program evaluation
- Logic model development
- Theory of Change
- Summative research reports
- Action research
Plan
Identify the gaps.
Needs Assessment + Strategic Planning
Before you build, you must understand. We use rigorous research to identify the disconnects between your current output and your future goals.
- Needs assessment
- Grant planning & proposal writing
- Strategic roadmap design
- Values identification
Learn
Build your future.
Professional Development + Training
We move beyond one-size-fits-all workshops, designing engaging and responsive learning programs that empower your team to meet long-term organizational goals.
- Synchronous & asynchronous PD
- Coaching for professional teams
- Large or small group programming
- Actionable training design
Research, Evaluation & Beyond
Program Evaluation
Mixed-methods evaluation design, logic models, formative and summative reporting for federal grants including NSF and U.S. Department of Education.
Grant Writing
Extensive experience writing and evaluating federal grants. We identify funding sources, develop proposals, and manage implementation.
Professional Training
Design and delivery of engaging professional development — virtually or in-person — using hands-on learning techniques responsive to your group's needs.
Action Research
Lead editor of the Handbook of Social Studies Research and author of Action Research for Classrooms, Schools, and Communities (Sage, 2020).
Research & Development
25+ years in R&D across education. Former professor at NC State University; collaborations with NSF, Library of Congress, NC DPI, and the NC Museum of History.
Academic Writing & Speaking
Published author, keynote speaker, and media commentator featured on podcasts, television news, and at national education conferences.
Project Highlights
AI Integration Workshop — Microsoft Copilot 365
We led a day-long workshop with the North American finance team focused on integrating Microsoft Copilot 365 into daily workflows. We began by assessing workflows and areas that could benefit from increased efficiency and innovation, then planned for the integration of AI tools into those workflows — and everyone in the room committed to one AI pilot. Rather than relying on the one-size-fits-all, standardized trainings that AI companies provide out of the box, we re-mixed the experience into a series of shorter workshop sessions aligned with each stage of the Assess-Plan-Learn framework, followed by a Copilot contractor demo. A highlight of the day was a lunch panel discussion with three experts, whose key takeaways included advice to stay curious and take opportunities to explore, while also protecting essential human decision making.
Needs Assessment & Strategic Planning
We worked with the social studies department in WCPSS to support their application for the U.S. Dept. of Education Teaching American History grant. We identified a working group, recommended the nominal group technique, conducted a gap analysis, deployed a survey to 300 teachers, and guided focus group interviews to develop a strategic plan for professional learning across the district.
Professional Development Programming
Maryland Humanities produces educational content for K-12 educators through the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Program. They partnered with APL to study how teachers used inquiry kits. We designed synchronous and asynchronous professional development modules for middle and high school teachers, supported them in conducting action research, and synthesized findings to improve future programming.
Research + Evaluation
The Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) Nanotechnology Engineering Research Center is funded by the National Science Foundation. APL created a logic model to guide evaluation of their educational programming spanning undergraduate education, graduate research, K-12 outreach, and after-school programs — providing formative and summative reports for NSF site visits.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your program and goals. We'll develop a customized plan.
Contact us today
