Education

The first five years are the most dynamic period for children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Evidence shows that children who experience high-quality early childhood development education programs are more likely to build a strong foundation for success in school and life. Abt collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and philanthropies to improve access to and affordability and quality of early childhood education programs. We analyze state and local policies, data, and funding to understand early childhood career pathway advancement and compensation. We help our clients expand opportunities to serve children, families, and ultimately, communities. 

Abt’s evidence-informed strategies support policymakers and educators to enhance K-12 education programs and student learning outcomes. Our work for educational institutions— from state and local education agencies to public and private schools—includes surveys of state and district coordinators to assess whether block grants provide better education for all students. We focus on a wide range of topics, including social and emotional learning, student engagement, literacy, STEM, educator development, and state and federal education policies. We deliver research and technical assistance to leaders so they can implement scalable interventions, and we prioritize academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth to cultivate fair learning environments for all students.

Earning a college degree is a primary pathway for economic success, yet students can lack awareness of and access to vital resources for successful college application and enrollment. This gap hinders academic and economic advancement. Abt identifies and disseminates evidence-informed practices that help students enroll and complete their college education or other postsecondary credentials and reduce barriers to success. We design and conduct rigorous evaluations of programs—from high-school coaching to smartphone apps—that help keep students on track.  Our technical assistance and strategic advising increases program impact, paving the way for fair futures and successful careers.