Northwestern UNIVERSITY –  Collaborative for Applied Research in Education (NCARE)

THE CHALLENGE

Northwestern’s E4 Center reached a pivotal inflection point. After years of successful partnerships with school districts focused on digital learning research, the education landscape was changing rapidly. The sunsetting of ESSER funding, growing complexity of district needs, and anticipated shifts in federal education policy created both urgency and opportunity.

E4’s leadership recognized that its historical focus no longer fully reflected the breadth of its work—or the most pressing challenges facing districts, particularly small, mid-sized, and rural systems that are often underserved by traditional research institutions. The organization set out to renew its strategy, identity, and operating model in a way that honored its legacy while positioning it for long-term relevance, scale, and sustainability.

OUR APPROACH

A Strategic Partnership for Evolution and Scale

We partnered closely with the organization’s leadership team during this period of transformation, serving as both a strategic thought partner and an active implementation ally.

Working side by side, we conducted key stakeholder interviews and a market and landscape analysis to inform strategic direction and organizational design. As the model took shape, we supported extensive funder research and outreach—identifying strong strategic fits, preparing for and participating in funder conversations, and refining the approach in real time based on market feedback. Our role extended well beyond planning, with Quarterdeck functioning as a true partner in execution.

Strategic Clarity 

As part of this evolution, E4 was intentionally rebranded as NCARE—the Northwestern Consortium of Applied Research in Education—to reflect a broader, consortium-based model that extends beyond digital learning to support districts, states, and researchers through applied, impact-oriented research and partnerships.

In partnership with leadership, we helped clarify how the organization could evolve to meet changing needs while building on its strong foundation of practice-based research.

• Conducted key stakeholder interviews and a strategic scan of the education research and data ecosystem to surface NCARE’s unique opportunity
• Supported the evolution and rebranding from E4 to NCARE, signaling growth and expanded reach while maintaining institutional credibility
• Co-developed a refined mission and value proposition centered on underserved districts: “Transforming data into opportunity—for every student, in every community.”

Market Strategy Development

Through collaborative analysis and market testing, we helped NCARE identify and validate a differentiated strategic focus. Their differentiators included:

• Small, mid-sized, and rural districts as distinct and under-served market segments
• Four core research priorities aligned with districts’ most urgent needs, including:
  • Student attendance
  • Teacher workforce
  • Digital learning
  • Postsecondary pathways
• A partnership model that integrates state agencies, school districts, and researchers

As NCARE engaged funders and partners, Quarterdeck worked alongside the team to continuously iterate on the model, refining structure, language, and emphasis based on real-world feedback and active conversations in the field.

Sustainable Funding Model

Quarterdeck supported NCARE in shaping a funding approach designed for durability, flexibility, and scale. This included designing a consortium-based funding model and conducting deep funder research to identify foundations aligned with NCARE’s mission and approach.

We worked hands-on with the team to prepare for funder meetings, refine project concepts, and review pitch materials—iterating on the model based on real-time feedback from potential partners. This funder-facing work helped NCARE move from a single-funder structure toward a diversified, multi-partner strategy.

Go-to-Market Strategy

In collaboration with leadership, we translated strategy into actionable outreach. Quarterdeck supported the identification of initial target states, developed engagement strategies for key audiences, and created a messaging framework that positions NCARE at the intersection of research rigor and practical impact.

THE OUTCOME

Through this partnership, NCARE emerged with a clear, forward-looking strategy and the tools to act on it.

Organizational Clarity

• Clear differentiation through a focus on underserved districts
• An integrated model combining research, technical assistance, and learning communities
• A scalable partnership framework adaptable across geographies and themes

Foundation-Ready & Market-Responsive

• Compelling, funder-ready materials grounded in market insight
• A strong case for investment rooted in E4’s proven track record
• A clear pathway from initial foundation support to a sustainable consortium model

Built for Execution

• Strategic thinking embedded directly into usable tools and materials
• Leadership equipped with clear messaging and stakeholder engagement strategies
• No gap between vision, strategy, and implementation

THE TAKEAWAY

By working in close partnership with Quarterdeck, NCARE was able to evolve its strategy, identity, and operating model in response to a changing education landscape—while staying true to its mission and strengths. The result is an organization positioned not just to grow, but to adapt, lead, and deliver meaningful impact for districts that need it most.