Research Associate 
jls3@wilder.org

Jennifer specializes in topics related to education and youth development.  Much of her research examines strategies for increasing the educational success of underrepresented students.  Prior to joining Wilder Research in 2006, Jennifer worked as a research specialist for the University of Minnesota's Life Course Center and for the Youth Development Study.  In her previous research, Jennifer examined social differentiation in the pathways adolescents take as they transition to adulthood.

Jennifer holds a B.A. with majors in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Minnesota.

Recent projects

• An evaluation of the Power of YOU program. This program offers free tuition and support services to financially disadvantaged Minneapolis and Saint Paul public high school graduates to attend several local colleges.
• An evaluation of two Iowa West Foundation need-based scholarship programs
• Analysis and reporting of outcome data for the Metropolitan Federation of Alternative Schools (MFAS)
• Evaluation of the East Side Learning Center tutoring program for elementary students at risk of reading failure
• Literature review on the effectiveness of programs designed to increase the post-secondary education enrollment and success of underrepresented groups, funded through a grant from NorthStar Education Finance

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