Links

American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) is the world's premier professional association and leading resource on workplace learning and performance issues. ASTD provides information, research, analysis and practical information derived from its own research, the knowledge and experience of its members, its conferences, expositions, seminars, publications and the coalitions and partnerships it has built through research and policy work. Link to ASTD's publications here.

Since 1948, the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) has worked to build better futures for disadvantaged children and their families in the United States. The primary mission of the Foundation is to foster public policies, human service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today's vulnerable children and families. Link here to view all of the publications on the AECF website.

The mission of the Aspen Institute (AI) is to foster enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues. Through seminars, policy programs, conferences and leadership development initiatives, the Institute and its international partners seek to promote the pursuit of common ground and deeper understanding in a nonpartisan and non-ideological setting. AI's bookstore and publications are linked here.

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. ACTE is committed to enhancing the job performance and satisfaction of its members; to increasing public awareness and appreciation for career and technical programs; and to assuring growth in local, state and federal funding for these programs by communicating and working with legislators and government leaders. ACTE Publications can be found here.

Berkeley Policy Associates (BPA) provide high-quality research and consulting to support public policy that increases social and economic opportunity. BPA publications can be found here.

Benton Foundation (BF), mission is to articulate a public interest vision for the digital age and to demonstrate the value of communications for solving social problems. They focus on leveraging media and technology in innovative ways as a means to strengthen communities. The Foundation envisions a learning society where opportunities to expand people’s potential exists at every citizen’s fingertips and where access, equity and diversity have pride of place. Provided here is a list of BF publications and online resources.

The California Career Education Association (CCEA) is an advocate for the continued development of career education throughout the state of California. CCEA has divided the state into eight regions with a Regional Director representing each one. There are representatives for the different levels of education as well as Members at Large. For more information, explore CCEA's website and publications by linking here.

The Cato Institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. The Cato Institute undertakes an extensive publications program dealing with the complete spectrum of public policy issues. Books, monographs, briefing papers and shorter studies are commissioned to examine issues in nearly every corner of the public policy debate. For more information link here.

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) was founded in 1968. Today, CLASP is an organization of program staff whose work is concentrated on family policy and access to civil legal assistance for low-income families. Family policy projects include welfare reform, workforce development, child care, child support enforcement, child welfare, couples and marriage policy, and reproductive health and teen parents. Publications can be linked through here.

Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet) envisions a society in which all people are equitably empowered by technology skills and usage. CTCNet shares with Playing To Win, its founding organization, a recognition that, in an increasingly technologically dominated society, people who are socially and/or economically disadvantaged will become further disadvantaged if they lack access to computers and computer-related technologies. Check out their publications here.

For more than 20 years, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), has been dedicated to advancing the growth of the information technology (IT) industry and those working within it. With more than 16,000 members in 89 countries, CompTIA is the leading global IT trade association with influence in all areas of the IT industry worldwide. Information about CompTIA's membership and research can be found here.

The Digital Divide Network (DDN) examines the digital divide from many perspectives and offers a range of information, tools and resources that help practitioners stay on top of digital divide developments. It also serves as forum where practitioners can share their experiences with colleagues around the world. The DDN looks at the causes and effects of the divide from four distinct angles: technology access, literacy and learning, content, and economic development. In each of these areas the DDN pays particular attention to the role of local individuals and organizations when it comes to bridging the divide. Digital divide research is an interdisciplinary field, bringing together experts in economics, population studies, political science, communications policy, education policy, and many other social sciences. DDN's research can be found by linking here.

The ERIC Database is the world's largest source of education information. The database contains more than 1 million abstracts of education-related documents and journal articles. You can access the ERIC database on the Internet or through commercial vendors and public networks. ERIC updates the database monthly (quarterly on CD-ROM), ensuring that the information you receive is timely and accurate. Search the ERIC database here.

The General Accounting Office (GAO) is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress. The GAO examines the use of public funds, evaluates federal programs and activities, and provides analyses, options, recommendations, and other assistance to help the Congress make effective oversight, policy, and funding decisions. In this context, GAO works to continuously improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the federal government through financial audits, program reviews and evaluations, analyses, legal opinions, investigations, and other services. The link here will provide access to GAO reports.

The Information Systems, Electronics and Telecommunication Technologies (ISETT SETA) generates, facilitates and accelerates the processes of skills development for workers at all levels in the ISETT sector by linking future technology trends with new skills development programs. The ISETT SETA seeks to develop South Africa into an ICT knowledge based society by encouraging more people to develop skills in the sector as a means of contributing to economic growth. A link to their research reports can be found here.

The information Technology Association of America (ITAA) today is the only trade association representing the broad spectrum of the world-leading U.S. IT industry. Link to ITAA publications here.

The Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) is a university-based center for research into the causes and consequences of poverty and social inequality in the United States. The Institute was established in 1966 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity, the organization given responsibility for reducing poverty in America. Their publications are linked here.

The Joint Center for Economic and Political Studies (JCEPS) was founded in 1970 by black intellectuals, professionals and elected officials. During its early years, much of the Joint Center's work consisted of providing training and technical assistance to black elected officials. Today, research programs comprise the centerpiece of the Joint Center's activities. Areas of study include politics and elections, social issues, economic policy issues, and international affairs. Through its research, its access to black leaders, and its consensus-building activities, the Joint Center has demonstrated for over a quarter of a century that blacks are a major force in the political arena. JCEPS publications can be found here.

Manpower Development Research Corporation (MDRC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social policy organization. They are dedicated to learning what works to improve the well-being of low-income people. Through their research and the active communication of their findings, they see to enhance the effectiveness of public policy programs. Look here for their publications.

Mathematica Policy Research MPR strives to improve public well-being by bringing the highest standards of quality, objectivity, and excellence to bear on the provision of information and analysis. Link here for information about their publications.

NCRVE closed its doors on December 31, 1999. Funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education of the U.S. Department of Education, NCRVE played a key role in developing a new concept of workforce development. The Center's mission was to strengthen school-based and work-based learning to prepare all individuals for lasting and rewarding employment, further education, and lifelong learning NCRVE publications are here.

The OECD groups 30 member countries sharing a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. With active relationships with some 70 other countries, NGOs and civil society, it has a global reach. Best known for its publications found here and its statistics found here, its work covers economic and social issues from macroeconomics, to trade, education, development and science and innovation.

Public/Private Ventures (PPV) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the effectiveness of social policies, programs and community initiatives, especially as they affect youth and young adults. In carrying out this mission, P/PV works with philanthropies, the public and business sectors, and nonprofit organizations. Link to PPV publications here.

The Michigan Program on Poverty and Social Welfare Policy, jointly managed by the Schools of Social Work, Public Policy, and Law promotes interdisciplinary applied research on poverty and social welfare policy and works to translate research findings to public policy decision makers. Link her for information about their research and publications.

The Urban Institute (UI) is a nonprofit nonpartisan policy research and educational organization established to examine the social, economic, and governance problems facing the nation. It provides information and analysis to public and private decision makers to help them address these challenges and strives to raise citizen understanding of the issues and tradeoffs in policy making. Urban Institute policy research covers a broad range of topics and related subtopics and can be found here.

The Department of Education (Doe) establishes policies relating to federal financial aid for education, administers distribution of those funds, and monitors their use. The DOE collects data and oversees research on America's schools and disseminates this information to educators and the general public and identifies the major issues and problems in education and focuses national attention on them. The DoE also enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal funds and ensures equal access to education for every individual. DoE Publications are here.

The Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) is the bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce where economic and social changes are chronicled, understood, and explained. ESA has three primary missions: 1) maintain the highest possible quality Federal statistical system and make improvements where warranted and feasible, 2) communicate a vision of the key forces at work in the economy and of the opportunities they create for improving the well-being of all Americans, and 3) support the information and analytical needs of the Department and the Executive Branch. Publications can be found though the link here.

The Technology Administration (TA), the only Federal agency working to maximize technology's contribution to America's economic growth. Publications are linked here.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides grants to economically-distressed communities to generate new employment, help retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth. Research reports are linked here.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an Executive Branch agency within the Department of Commerce, is the President's principal adviser on domestic and international telecommunications policy, including policies relating to the nation's economic and technological advancement in telecommunications. All NTIA reports are linked through here.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the Technology Administration, promotes U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards. NIST publications can be found here.

The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) serves our nation as the largest central resource for government-funded scientific, technical, engineering, and business related information available today. Here you will find information on more than 600,000 information products covering over 350 subject areas from over 200 federal agencies.

U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Neighborhood Networks program is a community-based initiative launched by HUD in 1995. It encourages the development of resource and community technology centers in HUD-assisted and/or - insured housing. Neighborhood Networks center programs promote self-sufficiency and job skills development and encourage computer and language literacy. Link to information about HUD's Neighborhood Network program here.

The World Bank Research Observer is a broad-reaching publication intended for anyone with a professional interest in development. Articles are published to be accessible to non-specialist readers, without compromising rigorous academic standards. The journal debates key issues in development economics and developmental policy, and it surveys literature and the latest World Bank research. A search for articles can be conducted here. Other articles can be discovered here.

The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) is a consortium of information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world. As the global voice of the IT industry their papers, reports, and publications can be found here.