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.
Fall 2025 – Public Policy and Civic Engagement
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.
In 2026, Ooms will serve as an advisor to the President & CEO, provide staff professional development, provide support services and participate in some research, and serve as a board member.
Jill Avery-Stoss, MBA is President and CEO of The Institute, a nonprofit organization offering community-based research and analytics in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since joining the team in 2018, she has assumed various executive leadership duties. She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2022, assumed the role of President in January 2025, and acquired CEO responsibilities in January 2026. Jill is also an Aspen Institute Workforce Leadership Fellow.