The Policy Research Shop at Dartmouth College marked its 20th year of operation in March, offering students the chance to present policy recommendations directly to New Hampshire lawmakers. On March 10, students Phoebe Abrahms, Ryan Alahyari, and Iris WeaverBell traveled with Kristin Smith, director of the Policy Research Shop (PRS), to Concord, New Hampshire, where they presented a report on child care quality to state representatives and other stakeholders.
The PRS program provides undergraduates hands-on experience in public policy research by allowing them to work on real issues affecting local communities. Students collaborate in small groups under faculty mentorship and deliver their findings in a nonpartisan manner before policymakers. “It is such a unique opportunity to engage in the policy space in a tangible and meaningful way as a part of my coursework,” Abrahms said about her experience.
Smith said that few colleges offer similar programs that provide direct access for students to legislators and policy experts. “What’s really unique about the Policy Research Shop is that we give undergraduate students this amazing opportunity to learn all these skills in policy research and writing, and then they present their findings in a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy manner to policymakers who are really interested in the topic. So, it’s a win-win for everyone,” Smith said.
During their presentation on child care quality, the team highlighted challenges facing New Hampshire’s early childhood programs such as low wages for staff, high turnover rates—17% compared with the national average of 15%—and insufficient training opportunities. The group also noted that only 26% of children have access to formal child care programs across the state.
WeaverBell shared that interviews with 22 child care providers provided valuable insights into what support providers need from the state. State Representative Mary Jane Wallner commented on low participation rates among providers for professional development programs like Granite Steps for Quality: “I wonder if the incentives that are provided to be in it are not enough to get people in.” Alahyari added that engaging directly with policymakers allows student researchers like himself an accessible way “to do research that could directly impact policy.”
Other recent PRS projects included reports on Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment drugs and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Looking ahead, upcoming presentations will address topics such as medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder within Vermont prisons and recruitment strategies for lawyers serving rural communities.
