This Mathematica presentation on January 24, 2019 in Washington, D.C. will discuss the relevance of cultural responsiveness in policy research. The event will identify how research can be done with, rather than to, communities and will provide examples of culturally responsive research where culture and context are included in the methodology for evaluation.

For those interested in economic mobility, this three-day conference in National Harbor, Maryland at the beginning of September represents an opportunity to hear expert speakers, participate in breakout sessions dedicated to knowledge and skill development, and be introduced to other stakeholders in the community. Attracting participants including economic justice advocates, social workers, and city planners, the summit will be a nexus for innovative thought and action. More information about the agenda, dates and time, and tickets can be found on the organization’s website. Note: fee associated with Summit attendance.

From September 19-21, 2018, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies will host a conference in Birmingham, Alabama for workforce agency staff and field stakeholders. Topics will include workforce development, state and federal legal issues, labor market information, information technology, and unemployment insurance. For more information on committee meetings, travel information, registration, or specific agenda items, please visit the conference website.

On October 3, the Urban Institute will host a symposium in Plano, Texas on the benefits and drawbacks of technology and technological innovation on wealth and income inequality. On one hand, the increasing reliance on technology can create disadvantages for underskilled groups that may not have access to learning materials or exposure to new forms of technology that are becoming increasingly important for employment and job performance. On the other hand, new technologies can be harnessed to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups and increase service provision to people and communities. Speakers from public and private institutions will address these topics and more.

Much research points to the impact that physical location has on people’s childhood experiences, development, opportunities, earning potential, incarceration rates, and adult well-being. Underserved communities, then, need to receive investment to break the cycles of poverty that their residents can fall into. On September 28, the Brookings Institution will host a conversation about place-based strategies that create economic growth for such underserved communities and their residents. With speakers from government bureaus, academia, and economic agencies, along with experts in the field, new research, lessons, and policies for development and mobility will be discussed.

On October 12, the Urban Institute will co-sponsor a symposium with Mary’s Center, a community health center, to discuss the importance of community health centers in under-resourced regions. Research from the National Institutes of Health and the Urban Institute will be presented to show how health centers can effectively deliver health care and improve social and economic well-being.

Although unemployment is at a record low, the many Americans struggling to make ends meet is a sign that job creation alone is not the solution to poverty. Now, the issue is creating sustainable, livable wage jobs that foster career and wage growth. On October 11, the Urban Institute will discuss the challenges and potential policy interventions to help move the conversation away from just getting low-income and low-skill workers into jobs and instead focus on developing career pathways into middle-skill jobs that can support families and break cyclical poverty.

On October 18, the Urban Institute will host a conversation relevant to all administrators that use evidence-based research or who strive to improve their agencies and agency culture. Federal agency leaders will discuss learning agendas and hear about other approaches that institutions are using to engage stakeholders and partner with relevant offices; they will be able to further develop learning agendas as an important and effective tool for research.

On October 29, the Metropolitan Policy Program and Child Trends will host an event to explore the state of the job market for disadvantaged young adults. This population has lower school graduation rates, lower employment rates, and lower wages, creating economic insecurity and hardship throughout adulthood. New research examining the quality of available jobs for disadvantaged young adults will be released and discussed, followed by an expert panel on policy takeaways and strategies to help create high-quality jobs for at-risk young adults. This event will take place in Washington, D.C. between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. EDT.

Based on a recent project from the Chronicle of Social Change, this panel discussion in Washington, D.C. will explore findings from the project and from other sources on foster care. Join the Chronicle on November 13 to learn about data highlighting the nation’s foster care capabilities and challenges, as well as potential interventions based on areas of high need.