In partnership with IPA and the World Bank, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation in Honduras to measure whether a temporary jobs program for at-risk young adults improved employment and reduced incidences of violence.

In partnership with IPA, Grupo Jaragua, and Seacology, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to assess whether integrating mangrove conservation workshops for youth sports clubs could enhance ecological awareness and promote conservation behaviors. The workshops changed youth knowledge and attitudes about mangroves and also influenced their friends and parents to support mangrove conservation. However, the workshop had limited impacts on changing day-to-day environmental behaviors or interest in buying conservation-friendly products.

COVID-19 forced students across the world to move from in-person to remote schooling, presenting particularly acute challenges for children in low- and middle-income countries living in households with limited resources and internet access. Researchers worked with IPA, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Education to develop and evaluate a text message campaign for parents designed to support learning for preschool-aged students during the shift to remote instruction. After 15 weeks, children in households who received the campaign performed better on cognitive assessments, an effect driven by increased parental involvement in children’s education.