Pratham Kumar

Board Director
Research Specialist

Pratham Kumar serves as Board Director and Research Specialist at Agard Research Associates. In these roles, he provides governance oversight, leads social science research initiatives, and contributes scholarly expertise to the organization's interdisciplinary mission. As Research Specialist, he guides research development in areas related to institutional analysis, educational policy, and social determinants of opportunity. His work supports the organization's commitment to producing accessible, evidence-based scholarship that informs professionals, policymakers, and the public. Pratham's academic foundation and research experience position him to advance projects that examine the intersection of social structures and public policy.

Pratham is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Rutgers University, where he is deepening his expertise in policy analysis and evaluation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. His senior thesis examined structural inequities in New York City's public school system, reinforcing his interest in educational policy and institutional reform. This academic foundation informs his approach to research that addresses systemic challenges and promotes equitable outcomes across diverse communities.
 

His research interests include migration, caste, inequality, identity formation, and the intersection of social structures with public policy. Pratham has conducted independent research on caste and migration among Indian diaspora communities, contributing to scholarship on identity and immigrant experiences. He has also examined post-COVID education outcomes in New York public schools, developing skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, and critical inquiry. These research experiences have strengthened his capacity to produce rigorous, evidence-based work that addresses pressing social and institutional challenges. He is developing analytical skills in Python and data interpretation to further enhance his contributions to research-informed decision-making.

Professionally, Pratham currently serves as a Program Associate for Junior Achievement of New Jersey, where he supports programming that advances economic opportunity and workforce readiness. He previously interned for a New Jersey state senate campaign, assisting with outreach coordination, community engagement, and operational support. He has also worked as a paraeducator across several New Jersey school districts, gaining firsthand insight into classroom dynamics, student needs, and the broader challenges facing public education. His volunteer work with the Rider Resource Pantry deepened his understanding of food insecurity and the importance of accessible support systems within academic communities. These experiences have cultivated strong communication, collaboration, and community engagement skills that he brings to his leadership role at Agard Research Associates.
 

Pratham is committed to advancing equity-focused, evidence-based policymaking through both scholarship and practice. His fluency in Hindi and Punjabi enhances his ability to engage diverse and immigrant communities, strengthening the organization's capacity for inclusive outreach. He intends to pursue a career in public service or policy research, contributing to organizations dedicated to equitable governance and community-centered policy solutions. Through his roles at Agard Research Associates, Pratham advances the organization's mission of translating rigorous research into actionable insights that serve professionals, institutions, and the public.