LEO matches researchers with nonprofits for real world poverty alleviation – ndsmcobserver.com

Report on the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunity (LEO) and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Addressing SDG 1 Through Evidence-Based Research

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunity (LEO), established at the University of Notre Dame in 2012 by professors of economics Bill Evans and Jim Sullivan, was founded to generate evidence-based solutions for poverty in America. The organization’s core mission is in direct alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty). LEO was conceptualized following a conversation with the then-CEO of Catholic Charities USA, which revealed a critical gap in understanding which poverty alleviation programs were most effective. LEO was created to fill this void by providing rigorous impact evaluations.

Methodology: A Partnership Model for SDG 17

LEO operates as a “matchmaker,” fostering collaboration between academic researchers and nonprofit service providers. This model is a direct implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), bringing together distinct sectors to achieve common objectives. The primary research method employed is the Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), considered the highest standard of evidence generation.

• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): This method involves comparing the outcomes of individuals who participated in a program with a control group of individuals who did not. Participants are often selected via a lottery system due to the limited resources of service providers.
• Credibility and Scalability: The use of RCTs provides highly credible data that can be presented to policymakers and funders to advocate for the expansion and replication of effective programs.

Project Impact on Key Sustainable Development Goals

LEO has initiated over 100 projects across the United States, targeting critical areas that correspond with multiple SDGs. Two case studies highlight the lab’s targeted impact.

1. Padua Program: Advancing SDG 8 and SDG 11

   The evaluation of Padua, a comprehensive case management program in Fort Worth, Texas, demonstrates a significant impact on economic and housing stability. The program directly contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

   • LEO’s evaluation found a 67% increase in the probability that unemployed participants would secure full-time work.
   • The study also documented a 64% increase in housing stability among participants who previously lacked stable housing.

2. Thread Program: Promoting SDG 4 and SDG 10

   LEO is currently evaluating Thread, a program in Baltimore that provides mentor networks for at-risk high school students. This project focuses on improving educational outcomes and life opportunities, thereby addressing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The evaluation measures the program’s impact on high school completion, post-secondary enrollment, employment, and criminal involvement.

Scaling Solutions and Capacity Building

A core component of LEO’s strategy is to use evidence to scale effective interventions. The success of the Padua evaluation led to a donor-funded replication of the program in South Bend, Indiana. Furthermore, LEO actively involves undergraduate students in its work, providing them with practical experience in data analysis and research. This engagement helps build capacity and inspires future leaders to contribute to solving complex global challenges like poverty, as articulated by an intern aspiring to apply these methods in India.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article discusses the work of Notre Dame’s Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunity (LEO), which partners with nonprofits to conduct research on poverty alleviation programs. Based on the specific areas of focus and program outcomes mentioned, the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are addressed:

   • SDG 1: No Poverty: The core mission of LEO is to “find evidence-based solutions for poverty in America” and evaluate “poverty alleviation programs.” This directly aligns with the primary goal of ending poverty in all its forms.
   • SDG 4: Quality Education: The article highlights LEO’s partnership with “Thread,” a program focused on at-risk students. The evaluation of this program on “high school completion” and “post-secondary enrollment” connects directly to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The evaluation of the “Padua” program, which found a significant increase in full-time employment for participants, and LEO’s broader focus on “economic mobility” relate to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: LEO’s work targets “vulnerable populations” and “at-risk students,” aiming to improve their outcomes. This focus on helping disadvantaged groups aligns with the goal of reducing inequality within and among countries.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The “Padua” program’s success in increasing “housing stability” for participants who previously lacked it contributes to making human settlements inclusive, safe, and resilient.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: LEO’s work in the area of “criminal justice” and its evaluation of a program’s impact on reducing “criminal involvement” connect to the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The entire operational model of LEO, which is described as being “a matchmaker to bring academics and providers together,” exemplifies SDG 17. It is a partnership between an academic institution and various non-profit service providers to achieve common goals through shared evidence and data.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   The article’s content points to several specific SDG targets:

   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. LEO’s mission to find effective “poverty alleviation programs” directly supports this target.
   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education. The evaluation of the “Thread” program’s impact on “high school completion” for at-risk students is a direct measure related to this target.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men. The “Padua” program’s outcome of increasing the probability of “working full-time” for unemployed participants aligns with this target.
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all. LEO’s focus on improving outcomes for “vulnerable populations” and “at-risk students” through evidence-based interventions is a practical application of this target.
   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing. The measured increase in “housing stability” from the “Padua” program directly contributes to this housing-related target.
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The evaluation of the “Thread” program’s effect on “criminal involvement” is relevant to this target, as reducing criminal activity contributes to safer communities.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. LEO’s model of partnering academic researchers (private institution) with non-profits (civil society) is a clear example of such a partnership in action.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article explicitly mentions several quantitative indicators used by LEO to measure the impact of the programs it evaluates. These serve as direct measures of progress:

   • Indicator for Employment (SDG 8): The article states a “67% increase in the probability that unemployed participants would be working full-time.” This is a specific, measurable indicator of employment outcomes.
   • Indicator for Housing (SDG 11): The evaluation found a “64% increase in housing stability amongst those who previously lacked stable housing.” This is a direct indicator of progress towards stable housing.
   • Indicators for Education (SDG 4): The article mentions that LEO evaluates the “Thread” program’s impact on “high school attendance,” “graduation rates,” “high school completion,” and “post-secondary enrollment.” These are all specific indicators for educational attainment.
   • Indicator for Justice (SDG 16): The impact on “criminal involvement” is mentioned as a key evaluation metric for the “Thread” program, serving as an indicator for crime reduction and community safety.
   • Indicator for Partnerships (SDG 17): The article mentions LEO has “100-plus projects,” which implies that the number of active partnerships between academia and service providers is a key metric of its operation and scale.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary Table

Source: ndsmcobserver.com