Public Policy Associates

Better Public Policy for a Better World | National Leaders in Research, Evaluation, and Strategic Consultation

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

The latest PPA eNewsletter is out! In this issue, we celebrate our team, interview our new graphic design associate, share images from Mackinac Policy Conference and present a new report on food security and child care. We hope you enjoy this issue! https://t.co/UipbWCtdc6

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

We are thrilled to share a new publication co-authored by our team! In the latest issue of the International Journal of Special Education, our Research Associate II, Calandra Reichel, is the lead author of an insightful new paper, "From Isolation to Influence: Examining the Impact of a Statewide Virtual Professional Learning Community on Special Education Professionals."

This research evaluates the meaningful impact of virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within The MITTIN Project—a virtual learning library designed to strengthen independent living skills for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities.

By analyzing experiences from the first two cohorts, Callie and her co-authors demonstrate how well-designed virtual PLCs expand professional networks, boost educator self-efficacy, and open new leadership pathways, while directly improving student outcomes.

Public Policy Associates is incredibly proud of our close, ongoing partnership with MITTIN and MAASE as we work together to support special education professionals and the communities they serve.

Read the full open-access article here: https://t.co/t0Nl5lsbpj

#SpecialEducation #ProfessionalLearningCommunities #EdResearch #MixedReality #TeacherRetention #EducationPolicy #PublicPolicyAssociates #MITTINProject #MAASE

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Yesterday there was a University of Michigan graduate student visit to the PPA’s offices. A panel discussion was hosted by members of the PPA staff. PPA also did a case study with the students about defining research questions and methods for a fictional client.

"For many of us, career paths fresh out of graduate school are not entirely clear, and we've made our way based on a strong educational foundation and skill sets,” said PPA COO Colleen Graber, “Hosting interns and student groups like this at PPA help young professionals to see the range of possibilities open to them as they make their journeys."

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

From Social Work Intern to Research Associate! We are excited to welcome Edgar S. Jaimes-Bautista to the Public Policy Associates team this summer. Edgar recently completed his field placement with us, demonstrating incredible dedication and insight. We wish to see him excel in this new role and continue making a meaningful impact through our research. Welcome aboard, Edgar.

#CompanyNews #PublicPolicy #ResearchAssociate #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamExpansion

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

For the last few years at the Mackinac Policy Conference, PPA has hosted an event on Wednesday night at the Mission Point Resort. This year was an opportunity to catch up with former PPA CEOs- Sam Singh and Paul Elam, PhD! Some initial images from the event.

#MPC2026
@DetroitChamber

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Day 1 #MPC2026 Update from CSO Dan Quinn, Ph.D.:

-Took part in a run sponsored by @DetroitChamber
-Spoke with Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President of @oaklandu
-Attended events with both Pete Buttigieg and Gary Sinise

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Are you attending #MPC26 this year? Our own CEO Rob Fowler and CSO Dan Quinn, Ph.D. are there and would love to catch up. Let's make a difference for Michigan!

@DetroitChamber

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Are you planning to attend the Mackinac Policy Conference? PPA's Rob Fowler and Dan Quinn will be attending. If you’re planning to attend too, don’t be shy, come say hello! We’re excited to connect and would love to hear from you!

@DetroitChamber

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

For the past six years, PPA has partnered with Project SEARCH Michigan, creating valuable work-based employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn how this national model is building workforce growth and making a difference in participants' lives. https://t.co/34JUgABEwu

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Just announced-

[MiLEAP @MichiganLEAP]

Child care is more than a family issue—it's a workforce issue. MiLEAP and Pulse are launching a new webinar series to help employers explore practical child care solutions that support working families and workforce stability.

Register below: https://t.co/AHsyZlPDIo

[MiLEAP @MichiganLEAP]

Child care is more than a family issue—it's a workforce issue. MiLEAP and Pulse are launching a new webinar series to help employers explore practical child care solutions that support working families and workforce stability.

Register below: https://t.co/AHsyZlPDIo

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) supports families’ food security and nutrition by reimbursing child care providers for serving healthy food to young children. Together with Early Childhood Investment Corporation, 1837 Partners, and the Michigan After School Partnership, the report “Supporting Child Care Businesses While Advancing Nutrition” looks at ways to increase CACFP participation of child care providers in Michigan. This research was funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. https://t.co/3ZnWLSrqGa
#EarlyChildhood #Nutrition #FoodSecurity

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) program and to our own Director for Healthy Communities Anna Fischer! Since its 1992 founding, MPLP has selected nearly 800 people to take part with more than 50 percent serving, or have served, in elected or appointed office. PPA was a proud sponsor of this year's dinner. Learn more here- https://t.co/foNZPhXpjm

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

PPA has a new report looking at how program communications in early childhood can add administrative burden. This burden can add stress and worries about renewal and payments. With years of expertise, our research team creates reports that help providers and participants make meaningful change. Curious to learn more? Dive into our latest report. Click here to explore the details: https://t.co/aFuOCyeUhC

#Childcare #EarlyChildhood #Researchers #MakingADifference

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

"I’m really into social drivers (determinants) of health, so I’m interested in learning about the various systems or policies out there and people’s experience with or perspectives on them. I look forward to working with community partners to help contribute to positive changes in their communities." Meet researcher Christine Anyanwu, MPH in this new interview- https://t.co/wqG0za9dMZ

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

In this month's eNewsletter, we celebrate our history with the Mackinac Policy Conference, showcase an article written by members of our team for the American Educational Research Journal, and introduce two new members of our team!

https://t.co/MFavdg8wuS

#research #education #evaluation #NewEmployees

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Public Policy Associates was proud to be part of the two-day Michigan Celebrates Small Business event. Rob Fowler, PPA’s CEO, served as a judge for the 2026 Pitch Competition sponsored by Comcast Business. And, Dan Quinn, Ph.D., PPA’s Chief Strategy Officer, and Rob celebrated with the awardees at the MCSB Gala at the MSU Breslin Center. MCSB is a statewide event that recognizes and honors small businesses for their contributions to Michigan's economy. Learn more about the festivities: https://t.co/9SLkTOAp9H

#MCSB2026 #SmallBusiness #MichiganBusiness #PublicPolicy

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

At Michigan Celebrates Small Business last night, PPA CEO Rob Fowler caught up with one tough nerd!
@theMCSB

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

We are pleased to introduce our new Research Associate I, Christine Anyanwu, MPH! She is skilled in qualitative data collection and analysis, reporting, and community engagement. She brings an equity lens, attention to detail, and strong commitment to serving others to her work.  Get to know her here- https://t.co/LCF0QKmmbm

Welcome to the team!

#NewEmployee #Research #Evaluation

[Public Policy Associates @pubpolassoc]

Our amazing PPA team (Neda Senehi and Rebecca Frausel) today are attending Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference. PPA is proud of our work in early childhood education research, and this is an opportunity for our team to meet with professionals from around the country and learn more about the future of this important field. If you are there be sure to look for our team members! https://t.co/XijWGuUB5y

#Research #Evaluation #earlychildhood #EducationPolicy