Spring 2017 Research Projects

Non-Profit Partner: Thrive DC (Ward 1)

Thrive DC was founded in 1979 to assist people experiencing homelessness, unemployment, housing instability, and food insecurity. The organization currently serves more than 2000 men, women and children each year. They offer a breakfast program, a dinner program, emergency groceries, an employment program, substance abuse program and a women's re-entry program. They also offer clients free access to computers, laundry and showers. To evaluate the impact of Thrive DC programs and understand client trajectories to experiencing homelessness, our students conducted in-person survey interviews with over 100 Thrive DC clients in English and Spanish.

Spring 2016 Research Projects

Non-Profit Partner LAYC Career Academy (Ward 1)

The LAYC Career Academy is an innovative model that provides youth ages 16- 24 with college credits / AP-style classes; a rigorous and flexible GED, college preparatory curriculum; and career preparation in the healthcare and information technology fields. To understand factors associated with retention and attrition, students conducted a survey, interviews with current students, former students and staff along with focus groups in English and Spanish with current students.

Non-Profit Partner: Maya Angelou Public Charter School (Ward 7)

The Maya Angelou Public Charter School, located in Ward 7 of the District of Columbia, provides educational and support services to at-risk students. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes college and career readiness. The school also offers a residential program for students to stay with their peers and a staff counselor from Monday - Friday. Students in the residential program get help with their homework and meals in a family-like environment. To evaluate the residential program, students conducted a survey, interviews with current students, former students and staff along with focus groups in with current students. CBRS students also created three videos to highlight the positive impact of the program on students' lives.

Spring 2015 Research Projects

Non-Profit Partner: United Planning Organization (Citywide)

United Planning Organization (UPO), established in 1962, is the designated community action agency for Washington, D.C. UPO plans, coordinates and implements social service programs for low-income residents throughout D.C. The organization offers programs for children, youth and families; job training and placement; housing assistance; shelter hotline; financial assistance; substance abuse treatment; community leadership and small business support.

Our students helped UPO to conduct the 2015 comprehensive community needs assessment throughout the District of Columbia. UPO conducts this survey every three years.

Students and UPO staff conducted surveys with over 700 residents of D.C. in all eight wards.