What Training and Education Programs Does the American Evaluation Association Offer?

Updated

The American Evaluation Association (AEA) offers a layered set of learning options: self-paced digital resources, short live sessions, introductory and workshop-style training, and longer development programs such as the Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) and the Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Fellowship. The right starting point depends on your experience level and how much time you can commit. AEA describes its education and programs as year-round opportunities to advance in the field and support the development of evaluation professionals.

Quick comparison of AEA learning options

Program Format Best for Notes from AEA's site
Digital Knowledge Hub Online resource collection Evaluators who want reference material and self-directed learning Listed under Education & Programs
Coffee Breaks Short, informal sessions Busy practitioners who want quick, low-commitment learning Listed alongside other education offerings
eStudies Online study format Evaluators building knowledge at their own pace Listed under Education & Programs
Eval 101 Introductory training People new to evaluation or new to the field's basics Positioned as the entry-level course
Spring Virtual Workshops Live online workshops Practitioners who want structured training without travel Offered in spring
Summer 2026 DC Workshop In-person workshop in Washington, DC Evaluators who prefer hands-on, in-person learning Scheduled for summer 2026
Graduate Education University-focused programming Students and faculty in evaluation-related programs AEA maintains university program listings and a student case competition
GEDI Program Internship Graduate students from diverse backgrounds entering evaluation Includes scholar and host-site tracks with application processes
MSI Fellowship Fellowship Faculty and researchers at minority-serving institutions Has its own fellows track and FAQ

Where to start, by experience level

New to evaluation

Begin with Eval 101, which AEA presents as the foundational course. Pair it with Coffee Breaks for short, practical exposure to how evaluators talk about their work, and use the Digital Knowledge Hub to look up terms and concepts as they come up. If you are a graduate student, check the GEDI program and the student case competition as parallel paths.

Practicing evaluator looking to sharpen skills

The Spring Virtual Workshops and the Summer 2026 DC Workshop are the structured options; the virtual format removes travel, while the DC workshop is in person. eStudies and the Digital Knowledge Hub fill gaps between live events. AEA also publishes Evaluator Competencies and a Cultural Competence Statement, which are useful as a self-assessment checklist to decide which workshop to take next.

Student or academic

AEA lists university programs and university centers, runs a Student Evaluation Case Competition (with separate information for teams and judges), and offers the GEDI internship and MSI Fellowship. These have application steps and timelines, so check the specific program pages rather than assuming a single enrollment date.

How to choose and verify your path

  1. Define your goal. If you need a credential-style foundation, start with Eval 101. If you need a specific skill, scan the workshop topics and the Competencies document first.
  2. Check the calendar. AEA runs two in-person events each year, and the site lists Spring Virtual Workshops and a Summer 2026 DC Workshop. Confirm dates and registration status on the event pages before planning.
  3. Confirm eligibility for development programs. GEDI and MSI Fellowship have distinct applicant tracks (scholar vs. host site; fellows vs. general FAQ), so read the relevant application page.
  4. Use free-entry resources first. The Digital Knowledge Hub, Coffee Breaks, and eStudies are listed as education offerings; verify access terms on each page, since AEA's site does not state pricing for these in the material available.

Common sticking points

  • Assuming one enrollment covers everything. AEA's programs are separate offerings with separate pages and, for GEDI and MSI, separate applications.
  • Missing the in-person timing. The DC workshop is tied to summer 2026; plan around that date rather than expecting a rolling schedule.
  • Overlooking the competency frameworks. The Evaluator Competencies and Cultural Competence Statement are the clearest guide to which training matches your gaps.
  • Confusing membership with training access. Joining or renewing AEA is a separate action from registering for a workshop or applying to a fellowship.

For current dates, eligibility, and any fees, use the individual program pages under Education & Programs on eval.org, since those details change by cycle.