“I founded the American Idea Foundation to make that connection between local organizations who are fighting on the front-lines to improve our communities; academics and researchers who can validate and add intellectual heft to these successes; and policymakers who have the capacity to scale evidence-based solutions. We have these amazing community leaders and policy entrepreneurs making huge differences in America, so let’s link them with academics and legislators so we can figure out what works and build solutions from the ground-up with evidence and data. This is how we can expand opportunities and the American Dream.”
Former Speaker Paul Ryan
Our Story
Lessons from the Frontlines of South Carolina
Latest News
Panel: Ryan & Policy Experts Discuss How to Improve the Child Welfare System through Evidence and RCTs October 27, 2021
With Ways & Means Committee Members, Ryan details how to expand economic opportunities for America’s most vulnerable families and children. October 20, 2021
At “Show Us the Data” Conference, Ryan recognizes advancements in evidence-based policymaking by federal agencies October 20, 2021
The American Idea Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded on the simple, but profound premise that the condition of your birth should not determine the outcome of your life. The American Idea Foundation believes that every American deserves the opportunity to achieve their version of the American dream and to achieve that end, the American Idea Foundation will educate audiences about policy issues and ideas pertaining to: increasing economic opportunities, expanding upward mobility, reducing poverty, and using evidence and data to inform policy decisions.