Future Evaluation Capacity Builder Application

Thank you for your interest in the Max Bell School of Public Policy’s Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge (EC³). Individuals who meet all the following criteria are welcome to apply:

1. Current part or full-time student at the senior undergraduate, graduate, or professional level OR early-career professionals (graduated within the past 5 years)

2. Reside most of the year in Canada or the U.S.

3. Have completed an introductory course in evaluation by January 2027 – this can be a professional development workshop, formal academic course, or similar

Following are other things to consider in deciding whether to apply:

• Can you attend in person? We find that participants have a richer experience if they attend the event in-person. The Max Bell School will cover costs associated with accommodations the evenings of April 29^th (travel day), April 30^th, and May 1^st for individuals not located in Ottawa, Ontario. We also will cover the costs for several meals during the event. Persons selected will need to cover the costs of their travel to-from Ottawa, ground transportation, and a few meals.
• Do you have sufficient bandwidth/availability? Though the case challenge takes place over the course of two days, participants engage in several online training sessions in advance and regularly meet with their assigned teams, coaches, and mentors between January and late April 2027. To get the most out of the challenge and ensure your team is adequately prepared to put forth their best proposal, it is good to make sure you have roughly 4-6 hours per month available during this time.

If you meet the criteria above, feel you will be well-positioned to attend in person, have sufficient bandwidth to engage, and are interested in being considered for the 2027 EC³ cohort, please apply! The application window opens October 7, 2026 and closes November 7, 2026 at 11:59PM PT. You can apply here! If you would like to review the application questions prior to applying you can view them here.

Please note that the case challenge will be in English only, although applications in French will be considered.

Questions?

• We will be hosting an online information session on Wednesday, October 21st from 3:00-4:30PM ET. We’ll share a brief overview of the Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge, alumni from prior cohorts will join to share information about their experiences, and we will have plenty of time to answer your questions! If you would like to join us, please register.

Want to see a copy of the application questions before accessing and submitting the application? View them here.

You can submit your application for consideration between October 7, 2026 and November 7, 2026 (11:59PM PT) online here.

Feel free to send any questions to: mbspp.casechallenge [at] mcgill.ca (we will aim to respond within 48 hours).