The Urban Institute looks into social and economic problems and the private and public programs designed to alleviate them. The Institute tries to sharpen thinking about society's problems to improve government decisions and inform citizens about important public choices. Topics routinely covered include education policy, health policy, income and benefits policy, among others.

The Academy for Educational Development operates programs and researches services to address human development needs here and abroad. The Center for Youth Development and Policy Research Activities seeks to provide assistance to U.S. communities wanting to expand opportunities and supports for disadvantaged youth. AED publishes research and policy papers in such topics as education reform, school health, youth development, and collaborations between schools, families, and communities.

The Search Institute focuses on applied and practical research to provide ideas, tools, and resources for people working on behalf of kids in their neighborhoods and communities.

The Manpower Demonstration Research Center develops and evaluates new approaches to moving people from welfare to work, building a stronger workforce through training, revitalizing low-income communities, and improving secondary education for at-risk youth.

The Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago provides independent research and policy analysis to inform public debate on the ways in which children's needs can best be met, particularly for children facing special risks and challenges. Chapin Hall focuses on the areas of youth development, community building, and child welfare services.

The American Youth Policy Forum publishes background papers and briefings providing research, tools, and policy making to improve education for an effective, productive workforce.

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University provides information and tools for parents, policy makers and concerned citizens to address the challenges of addiction and substance abuse in America..

Child Trends publishes research and data analyses on parenting, family structure, and family processes, with a special focus on teen pregnancy and the effects of poverty on children.

The National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University analyzes data and trends on topics such as child care, education, and health, with special attention to children living in poverty..

Center for the Future of Children features data and policy recommendations on selected topics related to children's well-being, including such topics as financing child care, special education, health issues for children and youth, and welfare reform.