Research & Publications
YPL is dedicated to understanding the needs and challenges of our partners in the public sector. We offer research and evaluation expertise to help our partners understand what is effective and impactful and to use this knowledge to make informed policy and program decisions.
Explore Our Work
Publications
Projects
FOCUS AREA
Early Starts
Childhood experiences set the foundation for future well-being. From improving maternal and infant health to ensuring a successful start in school, we’re helping our partners evaluate what is most effective for giving kids an early start on a good life.
Every child deserves a nurturing, safe, and healthy upbringing. We partner with state agencies, practitioners, and academic experts to conduct research and evaluation on foster care, childhood maltreatment, prevention-focused services, and academic...
The first three years of life are crucial for cognitive and physical development. Identifying developmental delays early and offering early intervention services during this time can greatly affect a child’s future education, behavior, health, and...
Early literacy and mathematics skills are critical to the future success of students across a variety of academic and life outcomes. The transition from PreK to kindergarten through third grade is a particularly critical window for building and...
Public education is one of the foundational principles of American society and youth spend a significant amount of their lives in schools. But access to a high quality education remains uneven, with disparities impacting educational opportunities...
Youth Policy Lab's commitment to youth and families begins with our focus on maternal and infant health. We partner with state agencies and the medical community to support the well-being of caregivers and infants and set the stage for positive...
FOCUS AREA
Thriving Adolescents
Adolescence is an important time of change in young peoples’ lives and experiences during this period can have lasting impacts on their future. At YPL, we’re exploring ways to improve the lives of adolescents through partnerships that seek to understand and address the impacts of school discipline, the juvenile justice system, mental health challenges, and more.
Youth mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, significantly associated with educational performance and the development of strong social relationships. Youth Policy Lab acknowledges that addressing mental health issues early on...
Youth Policy Lab is dedicated to understanding the far-reaching impacts of school discipline and the juvenile justice system on youth and their families. We work with youth practitioners, legal experts and state agencies to promote evidence-based,...
FOCUS AREA
Transitions to Adulthood
We believe that the future is contingent on the ways we prepare and support the adults of tomorrow. YPL is involved in several efforts to improve how young people prepare for and succeed in early adulthood – from workforce and career training to post-secondary education, we’re helping our partners better prepare the workforce of the future.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an essential component of our education system, providing students with the academic, technical, and soft skills necessary for success in college and careers across a wide range of occupations. Through...
Youth Policy Lab evaluates programs and interventions designed to improve post-secondary educational outcomes. By rigorously analyzing data and assessing various strategies, we identify effective means to address educational barriers and increase...