Research & Evidence
Research &
Evidence
Our research points to a clear takeaway: when young people lose connection to school and opportunity, the impacts are widespread, but with the right supports, it is possible to re-engage and get back on track.
Across studies, we consistently see that disconnection is shaped by a combination of academic, social, and economic barriers, and that effective solutions are the ones that pair strong relationships with practical, holistic supports.The reports below explore what drives disconnection in Connecticut, what helps young people re-connect, and how communities can strengthen pathways to graduation, post-secondary success, and meaningful careers.
How to use this research
Whether you are an educator, community leader, policymaker, employer, or partner organization, these reports are designed to help turn insight into action.
Use them to understand trends, identify the barriers young people are facing, and align strategies that support re-engagement, both in school settings and through community-based pathways. If you are looking for where to start, begin with our most recent featured studies, then explore previously published reports to go deeper on specific topics and approaches.
Getting Young People Back on Track
Published by the Boston Consulting Group in October 2023, this report finds that approximately 1 in 5 young people in Connecticut between the ages of 14 and 26 are disconnected or at risk.
National Scan of Policies, Practices, and Systems Affecting Young People
This report by MDRC published in 2024 reviews the programs, practices, and policies across the country that are facilitative of, or create barriers to, supporting our target population.
Elevating the Voices of Young People
Community Science’s qualitative research report published in April 2024 expands our understanding of the lived experiences of young people who are disconnected from work and school in Connecticut.
Previously Published Studies
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