About the Institute
The NCES Data Institute: Using Federal Datasets to Support Research on Postsecondary Education (Institute) provides an intensive introduction to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) datasets and research methodologies.
The Institute is ideal for:
- Graduate students
- Early- to mid-career IR professionals
- Faculty
- Staff from state and federal agencies and other higher education organizations.
Note: Participants must be affiliated with a U.S. postsecondary education institution, U.S. state or federal agency, or U.S.-affiliated higher education association or non-profit entity.
The Institute is limited to 30 participants who'd like to:
- Increase their knowledge of IPEDS and other NCES datasets
- Apply their new knowledge of IPEDS and other NCES datasets in a group setting
- Understand how federal data are utilized in postsecondary education research
- Form their own higher education research agendas
Read more about the Institute from two past participants.
The 2023 application process is now closed.
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 NCES Data Institute.
Applicants were notified of their selection status via email on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
2023 Institute Components*
- 5-week online course
- 16-week group capstone project
- 3-day in-person meeting in Washington, D.C.
*Each of these components builds on one another to create a holistic learning experience. Participants are required to participate in and complete all elements of the Institute.
Cost: While there is no charge for any component of the Institute, participants are responsible for the cost to attend the in-person meeting (travel, lodging, and meals).
Detailed Schedule
1
January 17 – February 17, 2023
5-week online course
Prior to starting the course, participants are assigned to a research group. Course material includes:
- An intensive introduction to NCES datasets
- An introduction to research methodologies when using national datasets
- Exercises that reinforce the content and allow participants to apply their new knowledge
2
February 20 – June 9, 2023
16-week capstone project
Immediately following completion of the online course, each research group—with guidance from mentors—works together to complete a research project, which includes:
- Exploring potential research topics
- Conducting a literature review
- Developing a group research question
- Identifying relevant NCES datasets
- Performing analysis using public-use data
- Writing an executive summary
- Preparing a PowerPoint presentation
3
June 13–15, 2023
3-day in-person meeting in Washington, D.C.
This collaborative and interactive meeting builds on the knowledge participants gained during the online course and capstone project. The meeting features:
- An orientation to the U.S. Department of Education, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), NCES, and the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative (NPEC).
- Panel discussions and speaker presentations on topics such as higher education research, publishing, the role of the higher education community, and policy.
- An opportunity for groups to present their research projects to NCES and all meeting participants.
- Dedicated time for research groups to refine their projects based on feedback from NCES staff and fellow participants.
- Time to develop plans to complete the projects and discuss the potential for dissemination of results after the Institute through conference presentations and/or publications.
The Institute is supported by NCES and is developed/operated by AIR. If you have any questions, email NCESDataInstitute@airweb.org or call 850-391-7109.
"I particularly enjoyed the group-based nature of the Institute, which allowed me to work with a variety of stakeholders, communicate my group's findings to diverse audiences, and heighten my public speaking skills ... Know that your participation in the NCES Data Institute will provide far more than increased research skills, it is truly a transformative experience."
—Peter Simpson, Teachers College, Columbia University
"Prior to attending the Institute, my usage of federal data was limited to IPEDS. Through the Institute's coursework and the group project, I now feel comfortable using many of the other, student-centered surveys conducted in my own research projects."
—Thomas Zimmerman, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
"Engaging in research with colleagues from different institutions was a riveting experience. I learned about which journals they read, which issues were important in their circles, and who the interested stakeholders were in their sphere of influence. I enjoyed the experience so much that I encouraged our state AIR group to conduct similar joint research experiences with datasets that would be beneficial to Mississippi."
—Carley Dear, EdD, University of Mississippi Medical Center