Research for the Community, by the Community
The Institute is an economic research and applied research and consulting group that provides customized client solutions and strategies to facilitate decision making and planning that enhances growth, impact, and sustainability for organizations.
Importand COVID-19 research in relation to our NEPA community
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About Our Research
Latest research released
Consulting services that support and elevate nonprofits
Unbiased, locally produced research
Key Research Reports
Economy Tracker
Get the lastest report on Northeast Pennsylvania’s economic health.
Indicators Reports
The latest report for 2021 is out. Learn what factors are affecting the health and welfare of NEPA.
Policy Tracker
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News from our community and around the state
– Published weekly Institute Review archives –
COMMUNITY RELATED RESEARCH
Our Institute researchers track regional economic indicators including:
Demographics • Job & Economy • Education
Housing • Health Care • Social Services
Local Government • Public Safety • Environment
Civic Engagement • Technology & Innovation
Infrastructure
OUR EXPERTISE:
For more than 15 years, The Institute’s team of researchers and analysts has used our analytic skills and extensive experience in a variety of research methodologies to inform and shape economic, health, education, social science, public policy, business, and urban planning initiatives. We do this work collaboratively as a cross-functional team to design, manage, and deliver end-to-end quantitative and qualitative research and solutions for stakeholders.
RESEARCH FOCUS
We focus on the components for regional prosperity and business solutions, development strategies for state and local government, and feasibility studies. We also convene stakeholders and facilitate discussions to move initiatives forward.
LATEST NEWS
Polling Center
In 2015, The Institute along with its 13 higher education partners formed a polling program within the organization. Read more…
Data Brief – State of NEPA – April 2021
Senior Research & Policy Analyst, Andrew Chew shares insights on the NEPA economy and COVID-19. Read more…
Partnerships
The Institute is a partnership of 13 colleges and universities and the business community, with offices in northeastern Pennsylvania.
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. 
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.
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.