Mitchell Institute names Elyse Pratt-Ronco Scholarship and Development Research Manager 

Jared Cash, president and CEO of the Mitchell Institute, announced today that Elyse Pratt-Ronco has joined the organization as its new Scholarship and Development Research Manager. In this role, Pratt-Ronco will carry forward the Institute’s commitment to delivering data-informed practices and communicating the measurable impact of donor investments.

As scholarship and development research manager, Pratt-Ronco supports a data-driven culture through assessment, analysis, and reporting that strengthens program excellence and Scholar success. She will manage organizational data, curate relevant national research, provide data intelligence to inform strategic program decisions, steward a 25-year longitudinal survey, deliver reports to grantors and donors, and maintain annual demographic and outcome dashboards. She also joins her colleagues in providing direct support to Mitchell Scholars.

“Elyse is among a very short list of professionals in Maine who possess both a deep bench strength of academic research and professional experience directly supporting rural and first-generation students,” said Cash. “Her background and our mission are uniquely aligned.”

Prior to joining the organization, Pratt-Ronco served as director of stakeholder engagement at the John T. Gorman Foundation and as assistant director for the TRIO Upward Bound program at the University of Maine at Farmington, where she worked to increase college access for low-income and first-generation students.

Her scholarship focuses on building resilience in individuals, with research centered on poverty in Maine and advocacy for equity and access. Throughout her career, Pratt-Ronco has worked across the state as a consultant for school districts and organizations, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in education and psychology, and served her community through a range of volunteer roles.

“As a longtime supporter of the Mitchell Institute, I have seen how the intentional use of data, research, and relationships can increase educational opportunity for young people across Maine, particularly first-generation and low-income students,” said Pratt-Ronco. “My career has lived at the intersection of research and practice, and I am excited to advance the Institute’s efforts in a role that brings together research, evaluation, and Scholar support.”

Pratt-Ronco holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maine at Farmington, as well as a master’s degree and doctorate in applied developmental and educational psychology from Boston College.

For 30 years, the Mitchell Institute has helped Maine students overcome barriers to higher education. By providing financial support, personal guidance, and a lifelong network, the Institute empowers Mitchell Scholars to graduate, build meaningful careers, and strengthen Maine’s communities and workforce through their success and leadership.

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