#  What We Do 

 



##  What We Do 

The Strategic Data Project at Harvard University is a leading hub for advancing data-driven decision-making in education. Through diagnostic research, strategic partnerships, and talent development, SDP equips education organizations with the tools, insights, and leadership needed to improve student outcomes.



 

 

 

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   ![SDP theory of action: measurably improve student success with training, tools, community and talent](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-01/Theory%20of%20Action_Final_0.jpg?itok=ra2pYvem) 

 

We envision a future where every education organization has the **talent**, **tools**, **community**, and **training** necessary to leverage high-quality data effectively. Further, we believe the foundations of great data-use involve:

- High-Quality Data Systems – Data infrastructure must be robust, reliable, and aligned with the needs of the sector.
- Strategic Data Leadership – Leaders must have the skills and vision to lead data-informed change.
- Actionable Analyses– Organizations must use best-match analytical techniques to turn data into usable knowledge.
- Effective Communication of Data – Data must be understandable and accessible to nontechnical stakeholders to drive engagement and action.

Through our diagnostic research, data-use assessments, training, and fellowship programs we aim to help all agencies strengthen these foundations and measurably make a difference for students.

[**Read our story.**](/who-we-are "Who We Are")



 

##  Our Offerings 

 



## Data Tools and Resources 

 

SDP builds and shares tools and resources to help school systems and education agencies better manage, analyze, and use data to significantly improve student achievement.



 [  arrow\_forward  Access our free tools and resources ](/resources) 

 



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### Partnerships 

 

SDP partners with states, school systems, and education organizations by placing fellows, training existing staff members, and partnering with grantees. We help education organizations build capacity to transform their use of data to improve student outcomes.



 [  arrow\_forward  Partner with SDP ](/partnerships) 

 



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### SDP Data Fellowships 

 

SDP Fellows solve problems and generate evidence as full-time employees of forward-thinking education partners. They receive hands-on training and support to work on strategic projects with social impact. Fellows come from diverse backgrounds but share a commitment to making a difference in the lives of students across the country.



 [  arrow\_forward  Become an SDP Fellow ](/become-fellow) 

 



      ![I heart data button and suit](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-02/linderpix-Harvard-CEPR-0590-web.jpg?itok=L6L7tIa6) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

### Professional Learning 

 

SDP's professional learning offerings provide data-driven leaders and analysts across the education sector with intensive, hands-on training to enhance their ability to use evidence for strategic decision-making. SDP also partners with funders to develop custom trainings for large groups.



 [  arrow\_forward  Learn about SDP's professional learning opportunities ](/institute) 

 



      ![Woman following along with highlighter](/sites/g/files/omnuum4446/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-02/SDP%20Institute%20Highlighter.jpg?itok=DlInFT6a) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

##  Learn More 

Do you have questions or want to learn more?



 

 



 [ Email us arrow\_circle\_right ](mailto:sdprecruitment@gse.harvard.edu) [ Subscribe for updates arrow\_circle\_right ](/subscribe)