With a commitment to empowering students in public policy, the Ford School launched the Policy Analysis Learning Lab (PAL). This important learning support initiative will equip every student with the confidence to use policy analysis for the public good.
Under the guidance of the PAL's inaugural faculty director Alton Worthington, graduate student consultants help students with specific questions about concepts, homework, and practice problems. Software support tailored to Ford School quantitative courses is also available. Moreover, the PAL will host pop-up workshops featuring specialized methods, techniques, and practical applications. Looking ahead, the initiative also plans to extend its support to qualitative research skills.
The PAL expands on existing student support resources to ensure all have the opportunity to benefit from the Ford School's world-class analysis training. The initiative comes out of productive discussions with current students and the Ford School Alumni Board on ways to improve student success.
“Policy analysis is a tool everyone can use to create effective public policy,” said Worthington. “We care deeply about making sure the methods we teach are for everyone, and our goal is to provide a supportive learning environment for all of our students to learn how to use and master these tools.”
Worthington brings deep knowledge of teaching quantitative methods to a diverse community of students and a wealth of research experience to the PAL. He has expertly guided and advised students at all technical and comfort levels using analytical tools.
Currently, both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in any quantitative course at the Ford School can schedule an appointment with a PAL consultant for tailored support. For more information and to book an appointment, please visit our webpage.
