The Institute
The Institute is a data analysis, research, and consulting organization that provides customized client solutions and strategies to facilitate decision making and planning that enhances growth, impact, and sustainability.
Latest Research
Research Support
COVID-19 data impacting NEPA
Published research
Nonprofit support
Special projects/consulting
Key Research Reports
2024 Indicators Dashboard
Our Team is excited to bring to you the 2024 Indicators Dashboard. Read more…
Economy Tracker
Get the lastest report on Northeast Pennsylvania’s economic health. Read more…
Policy Tracker
The Tracker covers state and federal policy focused research. Read more…
Weekly Institute Review
News from our community and around the state
College Partners
The Institute is a partnership of 13 colleges and universities and the business community, with offices in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization.
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.