The EPI Approach

At the Educational Policy Institute (EPI), our mission is straightforward: to work collaboratively with clients to deliver meaningful, actionable, and evidence-based solutions that drive positive change. We bring specialized expertise in policy analysis, program evaluation, strategic planning, and research design, helping organizations make informed decisions grounded in data and best practices.

Over the past two decades, EPI has partnered with hundreds of institutions, agencies, foundations, and educational organizations to improve policies, programs, and outcomes. Our work is guided by a commitment to rigorous research, objective analysis, and the highest standards of professionalism.

EPI's Watson Scott Swail presiding over OECD session Paris, France

Our Story

Founded in 2002, the Educational Policy Institute was established as a non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunity, access, and student success. Since then, EPI has worked with policymakers, educators, institutional leaders, and community stakeholders to address some of the most pressing challenges facing education today.

Our team has developed innovative research methodologies, conducted comprehensive program evaluations, and produced influential policy reports on issues affecting schools, colleges, universities, and workforce development systems. EPI's clients have included the U.S. Department of Education, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Lumina Foundation, state and provincial governments, school districts, colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally.

At EPI, we believe that sound policy begins with sound evidence. Our research is designed not only to inform decision-makers, but also to improve educational outcomes and expand opportunities for learners of all backgrounds. By translating complex data into practical insights, we help organizations develop strategies that are effective, equitable, and sustainable.

The Educational Policy Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We invite you to explore our publications, brochures, and Capability Statement to learn more about our work. If you are seeking a trusted research and evaluation partner, we welcome the opportunity to discuss how EPI can support your goals.

WATSON SCOTT SWAIL is an accomplished nonprofit executive, researcher, and education policy leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing educational access, affordability, and student success. As Founding President and Senior Research Scientist of the Educational Policy Institute (EPI), he has built and led a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that has conducted more than 100 research and policy initiatives influencing institutions, governments, and foundations across North America.

Dr. Swail has extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, fundraising, and program development, helping partners secure more than $100 million in federally funded initiatives. He has collaborated with leading organizations including the Lumina Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Previously, Dr. Swail held leadership and policy roles with the Council for Opportunity in Education, Pell Institute, SRI International, and the College Board. He is widely recognized for developing the Swail Geometric Framework for Student Retention(opens in new tab), a model used internationally to support student success initiatives. Dr. Swail is a prolific writer with over 90,000 followers on LinkedIn who enjoy his occasional Swail Letter. He books include:

Dr. Swail earned his Doctor of Education from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, VA, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, MB. Click here for Dr. Swail's Academic CV(opens in new tab) (CV) and Executive Resume(opens in new tab).

EPI Capability Statement