We’re the CERES Institute for Children & Youth at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. We conduct community-engaged research and evaluation in order to drive positive educational and other life outcomes for children and youth. Working with key partners in communities, we use rigorous, systematic, and innovative methodologies to develop knowledge that policymakers and practitioners can use immediately to support their young people. Children and youth – and the communities that support them – are at the center of our inquiries. With our community partners, we generate knowledge about who young people are, what they need to thrive, and how to structure the practices, programs, and policies to get young people what they need. What does it mean to conduct community engaged research? We partner with you. We bring the rigorous research and evaluation skills; you bring the wealth of organization and community knowledge. We co-create each project and learn together, identifying core problems that young people are facing, and designing solutions that capitalize on the inherent assets of young people and their communities. Together, we continually learn and improve on these solutions. We leave you with deeper insights into how you work, who you serve and what’s next. Our ultimate goal is for all young people to attain positive academic, social, emotional, vocational and physical outcomes.