Founded in 1974, MDRC is committed to improving the lives of people with low incomes. We design promising new interventions, evaluate existing programs, and provide technical assistance to build better programs.
MDRC develops evidence about solutions to some of the nation’s most difficult problems. Explore our projects and variety of products, including publications, videos, podcast episodes, and resources for researchers and practitioners.
This blog post summarizes two broad findings from MDRC’s research on systems to determine which college students should be in developmental (remedial) courses.
In this commentary originally published by District Administration, Barbara Condliffe and Shira Mattera offer four strategies for implementing “high-dosage” tutoring programs.
This brief synthesizes findings from three recent studies on the effectiveness of varying intensities and modes of pretrial supervision and monitoring.
An Implementation and Outcomes Study of Idaho Job Corps and Job Corps Scholars
This report describes pilot tests of two college-focused, nonresidential Job Corps variants designed to be less costly than the usual, residential model.
Job Corps is a large, comprehensive education and job training program for young people. This report suggests studies it could consider in the next five years.
In this commentary originally published by Spotlight on Poverty & Opportunity, John Martinez explains how putting evidence into practice across the nonprofit sector can lead to more effective programs that can be sustained and expanded.
This issue focus describes a new study that will estimate the effects of online training combined with loans students repay only if they earn a certain amount.
Early Childhood and the Building Blocks for Combating Poverty
For two decades, MDRC has worked with practitioners and other researchers to develop and study innovations in early childhood education and in other programs, like home visiting, to improve young children’s chances of success.
MDRC hosted a panel on research about how career and technical education can be a promising avenue for young men who have fallen behind academically and economically.
This report summarizes findings from a meta-analysis conducted to identify the features of fatherhood programs most strongly associated with their success.
In this commentary originally published by the Alabama Daily News, Sarah Picard and Leah Nelson discuss how the strategy to fund justice systems through fines and fees is unfair and destructive.
Educators’ Advice on High-Dosage Tutoring Programs
This brief offers advice on setting up a high-dosage tutoring program (which involves small-group sessions scheduled during school three or more times a week).
A Look at Three Sites in the Procedural Justice-Informed Alternatives to Contempt Demonstration
This report examines how three child support agencies experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on employment, earnings, and unemployment insurance patterns.
Changes to Service Delivery at Three Sites in the Procedural Justice-Informed Alternatives to Contempt Demonstration
This brief describes how child support changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, and relays agency staff members’ and parents’ perspectives on those changes.