Embedded Files
Apricity’s team members have decades of combined evaluation, research, and strategic planning experience representing a broad range of fields, including K-12 and post-secondary education, human services, and the social sciences.
✓ We plan collaboratively with our clients and partners.
✓ We respond quickly and effectively to your needs and maintain open and regular communication throughout projects.
✓ We value your honest feedback and seek to cultivate long-term client relationships.
✓ Finally, we deliver useful, accessible, and timely reporting for continuous program/project improvement and as well as to support clients in meeting internal and external reporting requirements.
We pride ourselves on providing highly customized and responsive client service.
We pride ourselves on providing highly customized and responsive client service.
The following are examples of core areas of our work, although our interests and portfolio are continuously expanding:
The following are examples of core areas of our work, although our interests and portfolio are continuously expanding:
Evaluation Experience
Evaluation Experience
Kellogg, Kresge and United Way (Cultural and Community Resilience)
Evaluation for Kresge Foundation grant supporting community networking, healing, and reconciliation through holistic health programming; a Kellogg Foundation Racial Healing grant promoting healthy cultural identity practices among Indigenous and immigrant youth; United Way funded grant program that supported early childhood development through school-based, wrap-around community service delivery.
Evaluation for Kresge Foundation grant supporting community networking, healing, and reconciliation through holistic health programming; a Kellogg Foundation Racial Healing grant promoting healthy cultural identity practices among Indigenous and immigrant youth; United Way funded grant program that supported early childhood development through school-based, wrap-around community service delivery.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (STEM)
Conducted an evaluation of an educator professional development program focused on integrating NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) with locally relevant watershed science curriculum.
Conducted an evaluation of an educator professional development program focused on integrating NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) with locally relevant watershed science curriculum.
U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE), Regional Comprehensive Center
Conduct multi-year evaluation of the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center covering over 30 projects across ten states/territories. The evaluation assesses PRCC performance and impact in the following priority areas: college and career readiness, rigorous instructional pathways, data-based decision making, school turnaround, early childhood school readiness, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and identifying, recruiting, developing, and retaining effective teachers and leaders.
Conduct multi-year evaluation of the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center covering over 30 projects across ten states/territories. The evaluation assesses PRCC performance and impact in the following priority areas: college and career readiness, rigorous instructional pathways, data-based decision making, school turnaround, early childhood school readiness, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and identifying, recruiting, developing, and retaining effective teachers and leaders.
U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL)
Evaluation of a multi-year, University of Hawai‘i Community College Consortium (UHCCC) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career (TAACCCT) grant initiative. The initiative targeted traditionally underserved populations in Hawai‘i, including low SES, the unemployed, and the underemployed. Conducted a formative and summative evaluation to understand the impact of the educational training initiative on student, campus, and consortium outcomes, as well as the variables and processes that contributed to successful implementation. The evaluation worked collaboratively with seven college campuses, dozens of community, county and state partners, and employers in three key industry areas - healthcare, renewable energies, and sustainable agriculture.
Evaluation of a multi-year, University of Hawai‘i Community College Consortium (UHCCC) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career (TAACCCT) grant initiative. The initiative targeted traditionally underserved populations in Hawai‘i, including low SES, the unemployed, and the underemployed. Conducted a formative and summative evaluation to understand the impact of the educational training initiative on student, campus, and consortium outcomes, as well as the variables and processes that contributed to successful implementation. The evaluation worked collaboratively with seven college campuses, dozens of community, county and state partners, and employers in three key industry areas - healthcare, renewable energies, and sustainable agriculture.
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Formative and summative assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of the RULER emotional literacy program. In addition to measuring student academic and social and emotional outcomes, the study was designed to monitor implementation fidelity and participant receptivity within a highly diverse, urban and economically challenged school district.
Formative and summative assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of the RULER emotional literacy program. In addition to measuring student academic and social and emotional outcomes, the study was designed to monitor implementation fidelity and participant receptivity within a highly diverse, urban and economically challenged school district.
Yale University School of Medicine, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Large-scale, multi-agency, longitudinal study of academic, social and emotional outcomes in adolescents. The comprehensive evaluation of students' academic, psychological and interpersonal experiences was designed to identify specific contributions of academic and social support programming related to the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative. Study goals included the evaluation of program effectiveness and implementation.
Large-scale, multi-agency, longitudinal study of academic, social and emotional outcomes in adolescents. The comprehensive evaluation of students' academic, psychological and interpersonal experiences was designed to identify specific contributions of academic and social support programming related to the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative. Study goals included the evaluation of program effectiveness and implementation.
Regional Education Laboratory, Pacific (RELP) Developed research products
Education Laboratory Pacific (RELP), including studies relevant to increasing teacher effectiveness for the purposes of improving student outcomes (e.g., impact of teacher incentive pay, teacher certification, teacher absenteeism). The goals of the studies were to better understand current educational practices in the Pacific jurisdictions (K-12) and recommend policy and implementation solutions.
Education Laboratory Pacific (RELP), including studies relevant to increasing teacher effectiveness for the purposes of improving student outcomes (e.g., impact of teacher incentive pay, teacher certification, teacher absenteeism). The goals of the studies were to better understand current educational practices in the Pacific jurisdictions (K-12) and recommend policy and implementation solutions.
U.S. Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health
Study of the role of pre-trauma beliefs about power and control as predictive factors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research investigated the hypothesis that strong pre-trauma belief in power and control may be a diathesis for PTSD. Results indicated that that stronger power and control beliefs immediately prior to combat deployment predicted more negative self-beliefs and, in turn, greater experience of PTSD symptoms post-deployment. The study discusses potential implications for future pre-trauma resilience interventions.
Study of the role of pre-trauma beliefs about power and control as predictive factors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research investigated the hypothesis that strong pre-trauma belief in power and control may be a diathesis for PTSD. Results indicated that that stronger power and control beliefs immediately prior to combat deployment predicted more negative self-beliefs and, in turn, greater experience of PTSD symptoms post-deployment. The study discusses potential implications for future pre-trauma resilience interventions.
Research Experience
Research Experience
Developing Alternative, Cultural Measures
Research project to revise current Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) standards as they pertain to the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). The purpose of this project was to present the Department of Education (DOE) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with alternative measures that are culturally relevant and better aligned to Native Hawaiian learners.
Research project to revise current Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) standards as they pertain to the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). The purpose of this project was to present the Department of Education (DOE) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with alternative measures that are culturally relevant and better aligned to Native Hawaiian learners.
Data Analysis for Culture-Based Education Induction and Mentoring Program
Multi-year, longitudinal qualitative data analysis for a group of culture-based induction and mentoring programs for K-12 teachers and administrators implemented in over 30 schools across the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HiDOE).
Multi-year, longitudinal qualitative data analysis for a group of culture-based induction and mentoring programs for K-12 teachers and administrators implemented in over 30 schools across the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HiDOE).
Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance
Culturally Relevant Evaluation and Assessment
Worked with over 30 Native Hawaiian education and community programs statewide to field test a framework of culturally relevant assessment measures. This project included needs-sensing, providing technical assistance around culture-based assessment methods, and an evaluation component designed to help participating programs develop, grow and/or streamline their effective cultural assessment practices.
Worked with over 30 Native Hawaiian education and community programs statewide to field test a framework of culturally relevant assessment measures. This project included needs-sensing, providing technical assistance around culture-based assessment methods, and an evaluation component designed to help participating programs develop, grow and/or streamline their effective cultural assessment practices.
Technical Assistance to Support ESSA Implementation
Partnered with the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center to deliver customized, evidence-based technical assistance to Pacific region state education agencies. Sample projects include capacity building activities to develop standards and assessments, academic frameworks, apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs, curriculum guides, teacher evaluation policies and tools, theories of action and logic models, evaluation and research design, and equitable supports for English learners.
Partnered with the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center to deliver customized, evidence-based technical assistance to Pacific region state education agencies. Sample projects include capacity building activities to develop standards and assessments, academic frameworks, apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs, curriculum guides, teacher evaluation policies and tools, theories of action and logic models, evaluation and research design, and equitable supports for English learners.
Equity Assistance
Conducted program and policy reviews for state educational agencies to ensure compliance with Office of Civil Rights guidance; designed and delivered trainings to build client knowledge of how to strengthen culturally-responsive practices and on how to identify and reduce/eliminate race and sex biases in programs and materials; disseminated evidence-based guidance and information on legal requirements related to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion in educational programs.
Conducted program and policy reviews for state educational agencies to ensure compliance with Office of Civil Rights guidance; designed and delivered trainings to build client knowledge of how to strengthen culturally-responsive practices and on how to identify and reduce/eliminate race and sex biases in programs and materials; disseminated evidence-based guidance and information on legal requirements related to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion in educational programs.
Needs Sensing for the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center
Comprehensive annual needs sensing for the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center (PRCC). Development the management plan, analyzed extant data (student achievement data, enrollment data, program evaluation data, administered SEA and community/business partner surveys, conducted focus groups and community listening sessions in 11 states or insular area jurisdictions.
Comprehensive annual needs sensing for the Pacific Regional Comprehensive Center (PRCC). Development the management plan, analyzed extant data (student achievement data, enrollment data, program evaluation data, administered SEA and community/business partner surveys, conducted focus groups and community listening sessions in 11 states or insular area jurisdictions.
Needs Sensing for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and Kuhio Park Terrace
Needs sensing for Hawaii’s application for the federal Promise Neighborhoods Grant. Collaboratively developed and administered a neighborhood needs survey and resource assessment, facilitated focus groups, hosted community listening sessions, and conducted individual stakeholder interviews. Lead data analysis and report compilation and delivery.
Needs sensing for Hawaii’s application for the federal Promise Neighborhoods Grant. Collaboratively developed and administered a neighborhood needs survey and resource assessment, facilitated focus groups, hosted community listening sessions, and conducted individual stakeholder interviews. Lead data analysis and report compilation and delivery.
Strategic Planning in the Arts
Strategic planning for a statewide arts education coalition in Hawaii, whose partners include the Hawaii Department of Education, a private school alliance, the University of Hawaii, and a network of community arts organizations. Collaboratively redeveloped the alliance’s mission, vision, and priorities and crafted an accompanying monitoring and evaluation goals to assist the implementation process. Additionally, provided technical assistance around legislative advocacy to build the coalition’s capacity to shape state policy and procure resources for the arts.
Strategic planning for a statewide arts education coalition in Hawaii, whose partners include the Hawaii Department of Education, a private school alliance, the University of Hawaii, and a network of community arts organizations. Collaboratively redeveloped the alliance’s mission, vision, and priorities and crafted an accompanying monitoring and evaluation goals to assist the implementation process. Additionally, provided technical assistance around legislative advocacy to build the coalition’s capacity to shape state policy and procure resources for the arts.
Planning and Performance Management Experience
Planning and Performance Management Experience
Strategic Planning for the Palau and RMI Ministries of Education
Strategic planning for the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Collaborated with clients to identify needs, challenges, and goals and to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that reflected client priorities and incorporates culturally responsive and evidence-based approaches. Provides technical assistance to support the development of milestones, measures, and evaluation mechanisms.
Strategic planning for the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Collaborated with clients to identify needs, challenges, and goals and to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that reflected client priorities and incorporates culturally responsive and evidence-based approaches. Provides technical assistance to support the development of milestones, measures, and evaluation mechanisms.
Monitoring and Performance Management for Pacific Region Insular Areas Monitoring and performance management for American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. Provided guidance and supported instrument development to align state education agency priorities with emerging and continuing projects, developed monitoring protocols and tools, and developed reporting guidance and samples.
Methodological Experience
Methodological Experience
Our team members has experience with the following research designs and methodology:
Quantitative study design & analysis:
- Non-experimental, quasi-experimental and experimental design
- Descriptive and correlational analysis
- Multivariate and multiple regression analysis
- Structural equation modeling
Qualitative study design & analysis
- Phenomenological, ethnographic and case study design
- Content, narrative, discourse and framework analysis
- Participant observation, focus groups, in-depth interviews
Instrument Development
- Pre and post-test survey design
- Retrospective post-test design
- Focus group and talk story protocols
- Individual interview protocols
- Observation protocols (classroom, presentation, performance, video demonstration, portfolios, essays, journals, etc.)
- Scoring rubrics
Our team members have experience working with federal, state, and local government funders and grantees, public and private schools systems (K-12, post-secondary), foundations and councils.
Our team members have experience working with federal, state, and local government funders and grantees, public and private schools systems (K-12, post-secondary), foundations and councils.
Examples of these include:
Examples of these include:
- Aloha United Way
- Asian Development Bank
- Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AusAID)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Kamehameha Schools/Bernice Pauahi Trust
- Kellogg Foundation
- Kresge Foundation
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Native Hawaiian Education Council (NHEC)
- State of Hawaii, Department of Education (HiDOE)
- State of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL)
- State of Hawaii, Hawaii Public Housing Authority
- University of Hawaii System
- University of the South Pacific
- University of Washington College of Education
- U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
- U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
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