Educational Policy Institute (EPI) Company Profile

Background

The Educational Policy Institute (EPI) is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank established in 2002 by Dr. Watson Scott Swail. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, EPI is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for low-income and historically underrepresented students through high-level research and policy analysis. The organization's mission is to provide educational leaders and policymakers with the information necessary to make informed decisions, thereby increasing the number of students prepared for, enrolled in, and completing postsecondary education.

Key Strategic Focus

EPI specializes in policy analysis, program evaluation, and research design, focusing on improving practices and policies within educational institutions. The institute collaborates with schools, districts, colleges, non-profits, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations across the United States and Canada. EPI's strategic objectives include:

Conducting research to enhance educational outcomes for underserved communities.

Developing tools and methodologies to support student retention and success.

Providing professional development and training for educators and policymakers.

By focusing on these areas, EPI aims to address the challenges faced by individuals and families from underserved communities throughout their educational careers.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EPI's financial information is publicly accessible. In the fiscal year ending December 2011, EPI reported:

Revenue: $826,415

Expenses: $718,859

Net Income: $107,556

Net Assets: $168,638

The majority of EPI's revenue is derived from program services, accounting for 99.8% of total revenue. Executive compensation for that year was reported at $175,000.

Technological Platform and Innovation

EPI has developed several proprietary tools and methodologies to support educational institutions:

Institutional Student Retention Assessment (ISRA): A web-based campus audit system focused on student retention, developed with funding from the Lumina Foundation for Education.

Effective Practices in Student Success (EPSS) Database: A repository of evidence-based strategies for postsecondary access and success, created with support from TG.

Retention Calculator: A tool that calculates the benefit-cost of saving or losing students in higher education institutions.

EPI-DAS: A longitudinal data management system designed to track individual students, collect and analyze data, and generate reports, meeting federal reporting requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act.

These tools exemplify EPI's commitment to leveraging technology and data-driven methodologies to improve educational outcomes.

Leadership Team

Dr. Watson Scott Swail serves as the Founding President and Senior Research Scientist of EPI. With over 35 years of experience in education, Dr. Swail has held roles as a middle school teacher, curriculum developer, teacher trainer, adjunct faculty member, policy analyst, program evaluator, and entrepreneur. He is noted for developing the Swail Geometric Framework for Student Retention, a model used by institutions to improve student services and increase graduation rates. Dr. Swail has conducted research for numerous organizations, including the Lumina Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, The Ford Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and various colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada. He is also a prolific writer with a significant following on LinkedIn and has published several books on education.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The education policy research sector comprises numerous organizations dedicated to analyzing and influencing educational practices and policies. These entities vary in size, focus areas, and methodologies, contributing to a dynamic and competitive landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the education policy research sector include:

Learning Policy Institute (LPI): Founded in 2015 and based in Palo Alto, California, LPI conducts independent, high-quality research to improve education policy and practice. With an estimated annual revenue of $15 million and approximately 91 employees, LPI focuses on evidence-based policies that support equitable learning for all children.

Thomas B. Fordham Institute: Established in 1997, this conservative-leaning think tank supports and publishes research on K-12 education across the nation. With offices in Washington, D.C., Columbus, Ohio, and Dayton, Ohio, the institute reported revenue of $4,932,903 in 2021.

Albert Shanker Institute: Founded in 1998 and based in Washington, D.C., this nonprofit organization focuses on excellence in public education, unions as advocates for quality, and freedom of association in public life. In 2014, it reported revenue of $1,229,193.

EdChoice: Formerly the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, EdChoice is an American education reform organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1996 by Milton and Rose D. Friedman, its mission is to advance school choice for all children nationwide. In 2016, EdChoice reported revenue of $6,970,342.

These organizations, along with EPI, contribute to the diverse landscape of education policy research, each bringing unique perspectives and methodologies to the field.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

EPI has collaborated with a wide range of clients, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), K-12 school systems, postsecondary institutions, and corporate/philanthropic organizations. Notable clients include:

Government Agencies: U.S. Department of Education, Texas Education Agency, Library of Congress.

NGOs: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lumina Foundation for Education, National Council on Disability.

K-12 School Systems: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Milwaukee Public Schools, Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Postsecondary Institutions: Arizona State University, DeVry, Inc., Miami Dade College.

These partnerships have enabled EPI to extend its impact and contribute to various educational initiatives.

Operational Insights

EPI's commitment to data-driven, research-based practices and its focus on underserved communities distinguish it within the education policy research sector. The institute's development of proprietary tools and methodologies, such as the ISRA and EPI-DAS, demonstrates its innovative approach to addressing educational challenges. By maintaining strong collaborations with a diverse range of clients, EPI continues to influence educational policies and practices effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, EPI aims to:

Expand Research Initiatives: Broaden the scope of research to address emerging educational challenges and trends.

Enhance Technological Tools: Further develop and refine proprietary tools to support educational institutions in improving student outcomes.

Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations with organizations that share a commitment to educational equity and excellence.

By leveraging its existing strengths and exploring new opportunities, EPI is well-positioned to continue its mission of expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities.