Polling Program
The Institute opened a polling center in 2015 and began polling students in its 14 colleges, universities and professional schools twice annually. The fall poll assesses students’ attitudes, perceptions and opinions of public policy issues on a state and national level and the spring poll asks about their post-graduation plans, their perceptions, attitudes and opinions on NEPA and their interest in living and working here after graduation.
The students are from a community college, technical school, four-year public and private colleges and universities, a medical school, and a graduate residency program. Students are at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional level in their studies.
Spring 2025 Poll- Post Graduation- What’s Next?
Fall 2024 Poll – Public Policy and Civic Engagement
Spring 2024 Poll – Post Graduation – What’s Next?
Fall 2023 Poll – Public Policy and Civic Engagement
Spring 2023 Poll -Post Graduation- What’s Next?
Fall 2022 Poll – Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2022 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2021 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2021 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2020 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2020 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2019 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2019 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2018 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2018 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2017 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2017 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2016 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2016 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Fall 2015 Poll -Public Policy & Civic Engagement
Spring 2015 Poll -Post Graduation -What’s Next?
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization. In 2024, Jill Avery-Stoss assumed the role of President of The Institute, effective January 2025.