10 years ago, it all started with an idea and a clear message:
- We're data experts who believe that government can and must do better for the people of Michigan.
- We're also parents and community members who dream of a brighter future for all of our children.
- We see a future where public investments are based on strong evidence, so all Michiganders have a pathway to prosperity.
Brian and Robin Jacob launched Youth Policy Lab (YPL) in 2016 with seed funding from Arnold Ventures and a clear vision for the future. With one leg in the Institute for Social Research and another in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, we have always taken an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging the strengths of both of these venerable institutions. And while the geographic focus of YPL has expanded (we do the majority of our work here in Michigan, but we now also have projects that take us elsewhere in the United States), the reasons why we do what we do and the mission have remained consistent. Through deep partnerships with state agencies, local governments, school districts, and nonprofits, our research and evaluation work helps policy makers and educators make informed decisions on matters that are relevant to the youngest of youth all the way through early adulthood. Ten years in, we are proud not only of our research that influences policy and programmatic decisions, but we are pleased to have expanded our efforts through the delivery of high-quality training and mentorship for future and early career policy professionals in our policy fellowships and ASPIRE program.
Youth Policy Lab is proud to have a decade under our belt. Truly, our greatest asset now (as it has been all along) is the people that are a part of the YPL family. Our staff bring phenomenal expertise, skills, and dedication to our mission. They come to work every day with a sense of curiosity and a commitment to carry out their work to the highest standards of quality. We are also thankful to our many partners. This includes fellow researchers, community and government representatives, and our funders - we clearly could not do our work without the support and engagement of those that have been alongside us in this journey.
Here's to another great year in the history of the Youth Policy Lab and to many more...