A program of NCI

Translating rigorous research into equitable school solutions.

Community Equity Lab partners with schools, families, and districts to design pilots, ground evaluation in community voice, and produce actionable policy guidance.

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What the Lab does

The Lab operates where research meets practice, turning NCI's institutional work into tools communities can use.

Design

Pilot programs

We build and run implementation pilots in schools and districts, testing research-backed models before they scale.

Evaluate

Community-centered evaluation

We center lived experience in how programs are measured, ensuring the people closest to the work shape what counts as success.

Translate

Policy guidance

We turn evidence into practical guidance that helps districts, funders, and legislators reduce disparities in student mental health and youth sports access.

Current initiatives

Programs and tools moving through the Lab right now.

PlayStrong Youth sports as an earlier access point for behavioral health support and referral pathways. Flagship

Navigate the Deal Financial literacy and NIL-readiness workshops for student-athletes, families, and compliance teams. Workshop

Literacy Consulting Implementation support for ISDs and education leaders working through literacy alignment and district execution. Service line

Start a conversation

For pilot partnerships, training, or data requests, reach out to the Lab directly.

Contact Community Equity Lab

donavan@nciresearch.org