SPR
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Our Work
Founded in 1991, Social Policy Research Associates (SPR) is a nationally recognized research, evaluation, and technical assistance firm located in Oakland, California. We specialize in providing rigorous and responsive services related to employment assistance, job training, education, youth, diversity & equity, effective philanthropy, health and comprehensive social services. Clients range from the federal government to community-based foundations and local non-profits. Our staff consists of more than 30 professionals with backgrounds in diverse disciplines, including education, sociology, public policy, and economics.

SPR is a small business with the capacity, experience and expertise to handle large sophisticated analyses, which means expert advice and personal service.  SPR provides you with the research, evaluation, and training assistance you require to make informed decisions, measure the effectiveness of programs, and plan strategies. You will be confident in our rigorous approach, while, at the same time, comfortable working with a team that shares a deep passion for creating solutions that benefits people and communities.  We are proud to base our work on the following guidelines:

•    Blend rigor with responsiveness. We are committed to using technically rigorous research methods and standards, while at the same time being responsive to clients' unique contexts and views and willing to tailor our approach accordingly.

•    Translate theory into practice. SPR's practically-oriented findings and recommendations consistently draw upon proven policies and the best knowledge available in the field. Our work draws from the expertise of practitioners and academics alike. While our findings and recommendations are aimed directly at supporting our clients, we also work to disseminate knowledge and build capacity in the broader field.

•    Use an asset-oriented approach to understand vulnerable and diverse communities. We feel that interventions should build upon the strengths of vulnerable and diverse communities, acknowledge and incorporate cultural factors, and focus on equipping communities with the tools needed to successfully improve their socioeconomic condition.

•    Employ multi-level and multi-method research strategies. At SPR, we use varied data collection and analysis strategies to explore a single issue. This approach allows us to provide our clients with a multi-dimensional view of findings and implications at the program, organizational, field and policy levels.