Summer's evaluation process utilizes high-quality, intensive, and thorough research methods to address research questions that have been collaboratively developed. These questions are aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of each project's theory of change. Additionally, Summer's evaluations track progress towards achieving project objectives and provide valuable formative data for continuous improvement.

Summer has a long and successful history of funded proposals. Her unique approach to proposal writing includes working in a collaborative fashion with your team to develop the project and align it with both federal funding needs and your organization’s individualized needs. She offers a comprehensive service, ensuring that all components for the application are collected in a timely fashion, properly formatted, and presented to you in the final application package.

Experienced in interfacing with institutional databases to pull and clean data, the methods for data analysis range from using Excel pivot tables to SPSS & SAS.

Organizations who are deeply committed to their communities and their work often lack the time and resources to commit to important strategic development. Summer provides strategic planning services, which can easily be done in conjunction with proposal development. Projects are then selected and developed based on priority and need rather than chasing funding opportunities.

The grant forecast compiles perspective grant deadlines, funding thresholds, and requirements and puts this information together in an annual forecast tailored to your organization’s needs. There is no charge for this service and each forecast presents a cost analysis of choosing to work with Summer for the project. This allows you to decide whether working with Summer or in-house is more appropriate for your organization.

With each new project Summer and her team are consistently honing expertise in the areas of best research-based practices and educational models. This expertise allows Summer to create strategies that meet your organization’s needs and also address federal funding priorities, ultimately solving pressing community issues.

Evaluation reports are designed to align with your reporting requirements. Summer works hand-in-hand with your team to complete all the relevant process and outcome data needed for your report in order to keep you in compliance and ensure continuation of funding.

Summer develops a variety of assessment tools as a means of gathering high-quality, participant driven data to reveal the story behind the data. These tools are based on the project’s research question and evaluation plan and range from surveys to rubrics, online questionnaires, and focus groups.

Offering general technical support regarding federal grants, reporting, compliance, government required outcome measures (such as GPRA), eligibility applications, and perspective grants, Summer generally responds within 24 to 48 hours by phone or email.