UMass Boston

A selection of the Center for Social Policy's current and recent projects. Some research projects for sponsors result in internal technical reports that are not published. Our mission is to provide the highest quality research services to change agents on a sustainable basis and we offer competitive pricing. If you have a project idea or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Cliff Effects

For over a decade, the Center for Social Policy has been a pioneer in “cliff effects” research including the development of a simulator that tracks the degree to which families gain or lose resources as earnings increase. Cliff effects are a growing concern due to the rising costs of living, especially housing, coupled with stagnating wages, making it nearly impossible for thousands of low-income working families to make ends meet without supports from public benefits.

Read Our Publications & Reports on Cliff Effects

Springfield Works Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot Project

CSP is evaluating a cross-state initiative focused on providing bridge payments and financial coaching to healthcare workers who encounter a loss of benefits (i.e., the cliff effect) when earning a promotion. The evaluation will investigate the interrelated systems at the root of the cliff effect, explore the efficacy of potential solutions, and capture the stories of workers balancing public benefits with employment as they make progress towards economic mobility.

Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program

In collaboration with the Collins Center, CSP is conducting a mixed-method evaluation of a basic income pilot. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were used to launch a two-million-dollar Basic Income pilot to offer a lifeline to low-income families facing housing instability. The evaluation will include analysis of how basic income, public benefits, and employment interact to affect housing stability and economic mobility. 

Public Benefits Access for Low-Income Asians in Massachusetts

The Center for Social Policy investigated access to public benefits for Asians in Massachusetts facing economic hardship. Using American Community Survey (ACS) data, we explored the factors influencing receipt of public benefits for low-income Asians. This research was funded by the Anti-Asian Racism Project at the UMass Boston Institute for Asian American Studies (IAAS).

Dorchester Food Cooperative

The purpose of this mixed-methods research is to evaluate a community-led initiative that aims to create access to affordable nutritious food, and to build community and worker wealth. It is developing strong partnerships with urban farms and local health centers to enhance health, well-being, and equity in the Dorchester neighborhood.

Family-Led Stability Pilot (FLSP) for Homeless Families

The Center for Social Policy conducted an evaluation for this innovative pilot focused on cross-sector partners working together to achieve quicker and more sustainable results to house homeless families with children enrolled in Boston Public Schools. The initiative aims to help families obtain permanent housing, improve educational and social-emotional outcomes for students, and to support families in achieving their self-defined goals. 

The Informal Economy

CSP provides expertise on measuring the changing nature of work and job quality through a long-standing partnership with Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO). Our research on alternative forms of employment is focused on home-based workers, domestic workers, and street vendors. In addition, we provide statistical expertise on employment classification to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Job Quality and Automation in Retail

CSP is conducting research on Job quality, including exploring digital technology and career ladders in the retail sector, in collaboration with the University of California Los Angeles. We are also exploring the future of work for the retail sector, in collaboration with the Keystone Research Center. 

UMass Boston Professional Apprenticeship Experience (PACE)

This innovative UMass Boston program provides undergraduate students with paid career-related positions. Faculty and staff mentors guide apprentices through the skill-building process, creating portfolios of projects they then present to future employers. CSP conducted anf equity analysis of campus Work Study employment trends, disaggregated by race, gender, and age. CSP also conducted research interviews with students and faculty to investigate student employment experiences on campus, with an emphasis on equity.

Workforce Development for Offshore Wind

Offshore wind is critical for diversifying clean energy supply, meeting environmental goals, accelerating economic development, and creating thousands of jobs. The Center for Social Policy is conducting an analysis of the workforce system in offshore wind to determine how the workforce development infrastructure will successfully meet demand for high-quality jobs and create equitable access to career opportunities. This project is funded by the Oceans Endowment at the McCormack Graduate School at UMass Boston.

Workforce Development Strategic Planning

Building off a workforce community needs assessment for the City of Cambridge, we collaborated with the UMass Donahue Institute to help Cambridge-based Just-a-Start develop a business planning process for its adult workforce development programs. The plan was informed by focus groups the Center for Social Policy conducted with City of Cambridge residents. For Just-a-Start, we conducted a workforce equity assessment, an analysis of training providers, key stakeholder interviews, and an assessment of sustainability. The resulting business plan included enhanced financial coaching, increased trauma-informed support services and access to the safety net, and expanded opportunities in the biotechnology sector, especially for African Americans.

The Center for Social Policy is affiliated with the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies in the College of Liberal Arts.