Advancing Justice Through Data, Digital Innovation, & Strategic Partnerships
For 40+ years, Abt has advanced justice through research, strategic technical assistance, data-driven evaluation, and digital innovations.
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Social & Economic Well-Being
From early childhood to school to work to communities across America, Abt builds the evidence base for stronger systems that support economic mobility and public safety. Our landmark national studies and technical assistance in education, childcare, job training, and criminal justice have made us a trusted partner to U.S. federal and state agencies and local organizations invested in social and economic well-being.
Focus Areas in Social & Economic Well-Being
Our Approach and Results
Our rigorous research, practical expertise, and data-driven solutions improve education, child/family well-being, workforce and justice programs to achieve better outcomes for Americans. We help clients improve services, build capacity, respond to changing needs, and strengthen pathways to stability for individuals, families, and communities.
Evaluated a national apprenticeship initiative, finding that workers’ earnings increased by 49% and employers saw a 44.3% ROI.
Modernize and connect complex federal justice data across agencies, turning fragmented administrative records into accessible, decision-ready intelligence.
Evaluated a statewide early childhood initiative that strengthened leadership, educator supports, and practices across 135 providers.
Featured In Social & Economic Well-Being
Spotlight On: Disability Policy & Research
Abt helps clients improve their policies and programs with objective research and implementation support in the areas of employment, income supports, education, housing and health.
Spotlight On
Do Apprenticeships Help Workers and Employers?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) launched the American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI) to expand registered apprenticeships in the U.S. into sectors with few apprenticeships, such as healthcare and information technology (IT).
Project
Building More Evidence in Reemployment Services for Unemployment Claimants
In 2018, Congress permanently authorized the RESEA program, which aims to help Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants return to work more quickly. As a result, RESEA now requires that states use evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.
Project
How to Make Federal Justice Data More User Friendly
Abt is making federal justice data more user friendly through better visualization and filtering capabilities.
Blog
Enhancing Customer Experience with Farmers.gov
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) faced the challenge of streamlining access to information, tools, and resources for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
Project
Evaluating Year Up’s Programs for Young Adults
Prospects for young adults without postsecondary credentials have steadily worsened in recent decades. With few chances at well-paying jobs, millions give up on school and withdraw from the labor force. Helping low-skilled young adults access training…
Project
Evaluating the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program
To date, evidence on the effectiveness of school voucher programs is mixed. That’s why the U.S. Congress mandated an evaluation of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), the only federally funded voucher program. The Department of Education’s…
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Evaluating Child Welfare Community Collaborations
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is transforming the field of child welfare by supporting communities’ efforts to prevent child maltreatment, rather than only respond once it occurs. ACF funded two cohorts of grantees under the Child…
Project
What Does the U.S. Spend on Law Enforcement? JEET Has Answers
A new Abt-developed webtool supports analysis of criminal justice expenditures and employment.
Blog
Clearinghouse Synthesizes Evidence on Labor Policies, Programs
The DOL-funded Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research (CLEAR) has several goals. It makes research on labor topics more accessible to practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and the public. It also provides information to inform decisions…
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Replication of Recovery and Reunification Interventions for Families-Impact Study (R3-Impact)
In the last 20 years, parental substance use disorder (SUD) has become an increasingly prevalent reason for children to enter foster care. Recovery coaching is a promising strategy to support parents’ recovery and help keep families safe and together…
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Latest in Social & Economic Well-Being
APPAM Fall Research Conference 2026
Abt is a Gold Sponsor of APPAM 2026. Catch us in Boston, in our sessions and at booth 304, or connect with the team here!
Event
APHSA Economic Mobility & Well-Being Conference 2026
Work requirements are expanding and budgets are not. Let's build an employment program that meets you where you're at.
Event
Localised Solutions to Water Security in Papua New Guinea
Locally led infrastructure and governance approaches have stabilized access to clean water, supported schools and rural markets, and built long-term community ownership.
Impact Brief
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Explore Our Focus Areas in Social & Economic Well-Being
Value for our Clients
Our work for public, private and non-profit organizations reflect our shared values and steadfast commitment to quality standards, best price, and lasting impact.
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Our Clients In Civilian Services
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At Abt, Impact means changes for people, organizations, systems, and the planet that promote meaningful progress towards our Mission.
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