Closing the Evidence Gap

As the Constellation Fund’s research investment arm, CoLab funds actionable, longitudinal research on programs and practices designed to reduce intergenerational poverty. CoLab builds the next generation of evidence that can sharpen grantmaking and guide broader public and philanthropic investment.

By following participants over multiple years, CoLab-supported studies can reveal what shorter evaluations miss and give decision-makers better information about where limited resources can do the most good.

A Head Start on Housing Stability

A Connecticut program connects Housing Choice Vouchers directly to families enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. CoLab is funding a study of 149 participating families, tracking housing stability, economic security, early learning outcomes, and more. The research could show whether this is a practical, scalable way to prevent homelessness before instability disrupts a child’s development.

Universal Public Pre-K

CoLab is supporting a study evaluating the effects of universal public pre-K for three-year-olds in Washington D.C. Researchers will follow approximately 6,000 children through middle and high school, tracking their progress toward graduation. Additional family economic outcomes will be explored where data allow, and a cost-benefit analysis will help policymakers assess the long-term return on an earlier public investment in pre-K.

One-Time Cash Assistance

Can timely, flexible cash prevent deeper housing instability and improve children’s long-term prospects? Recent research tested the effects of one-time cash assistance for families with school-aged children experiencing homelessness. CoLab is funding a follow-up study to understand the long-term impacts of the Illinois Stability Investment for Family Housing Program, tracking housing, education, financial well-being, and other outcomes for families.