Evidence First

Policymakers talk about solutions, but which ones really work? MDRC's Evidence First podcast features experts—program administrators, policymakers, and researchers—talking about the best evidence available on education and social programs that serve people with low incomes.

Evidence First is a science podcast hosted by MDRC, with 74 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

MDRC hosts Evidence First, a science show with 74 episodes published.

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  Evidence First

  The Role of Evidence in Ensuring Student Success: A Conversation with John B. King, Jr.

  Jun 18, 202641 min

  Researchers and practitioners are shaping the future of education and social policy by putting data and research evidence at the center of their decisions. In this episode, Leigh Parise talks with John B. King, Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), which is the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the country. King previously served as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education under President Obama, led the nonprofit organization EdTrust, and was education commissioner for the state of New York. King also serves on MDRC's Board of Directors. King and Parise discuss the role of evidence in ensuring student success and the top challenges facing higher education today.

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  Evidence First

  Career and Technical Education in an Evolving World of Work

  May 26, 202635 minS0

  <p > As the global economy has grown increasingly competitive, interest in career and technical education (CTE) has experienced a resurgence among policymakers and educators as a way to ensure that more students leave school prepared for well-paying jobs. </p> <p > </p> <p > Innovative new programs at both the secondary and postsecondary education levels seek to give students technical training for specific careers, durable skills training to prepare them for the workforce, and work-based learning opportunities where they can get hands-on experience and develop connections to employers and the workforce.</p> <p >  </p> <p > In this episode, Leigh Parise talks with Kate...

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  Evidence First

  Using Data and Evidence to Support Communities: A Conversation with Milton J. Little, Jr.

  Apr 27, 202628 minS0

  <p > Using data and research evidence can help nonprofit and community-based organizations develop new programs, support existing ones, and advocate for more effective government investments. <br /><br /></p> <p >  In this episode, Leigh Parise talks with Milton J. Little Jr., President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Atlanta – one of the nation's largest United Ways, serving 13 counties in the Atlanta metro area. Little is a member of MDRC's Board of Directors, where he serves as treasurer.  <br /> <br /></p> <p > Little and Parise discuss the importance of independent research and how using data and evidence can help community-based organ...

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  Evidence First

  Supporting the Workforce Development Ecosystem in Memphis

  Mar 26, 202629 minS0

  <p > In Memphis, one in three people live near or below the poverty line. Memphis Works for Everyone (MemWorks), a partnership between MDRC and Slingshot Memphis, seeks to strengthen pathways to living-wage jobs for Memphis workers. MemWorks is using research and data to determine what local programs, policies, and interventions will help more workers improve their economic mobility.</p> <p> In this episode, Leigh Parise speaks with Jared Barnett, president and CEO o

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  Evidence First

  The Year in Review: Revisiting Episodes of Evidence First from 2025

  Jan 13, 202616 minS0

  <p >In this year-in-review episode, Leigh Parise revisits conversations from 2025 about the power of evidence and collaboration to drive change: how data can inform decisions, how partnerships can break down barriers, and how innovative strategies can open doors for learners and workers alike.</p>

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