Wilder Research Topics

Topics That Matter

Wilder Research conducts studies in areas that affect the quality of life for people and communities. By examining issues, trends and the effectiveness of programs and services, we provide credible information that can be used to inform strategies and action to improve lives.

Areas of Research

Community Safety and Criminal Justice
Our work looks at the effectiveness of violence prevention and intervention strategies.
Early Childhood and Children
Our work provides a picture of how children, youth and families in Minnesota are faring, with a special focus on low-income families.
Education and Youth Development
We study opportunity and achievement gaps for low-income students, students of color, students whose primary language is not English, and first-generation college students.
Public Health and Health Care
We study prevention, treatment and causes of poor health, including community assessments of healthy behaviors, needs and services, and evaluations of programs and initiatives addressing health concerns.
Housing and Homelessness
Our triennial statewide study provides the most current and comprehensive information and data on homelessness in Minnesota.
Mental Health
Our work identifies factors that affect mental health, especially in low-income and immigrant populations, and evaluating programs and services to assist children and adults with mental health issues.
Older Adults and Aging
We study support systems and their capacity to meet the needs of Minnesota’s growing population of older adults, funding sources and priorities, and what older adults, caregivers, service providers, and aging experts say about current and future needs.
Substance Use
We work across the substance use continuum, from prevention to treatment to recovery, we explore what works for programs and services.

Featured Research

An Evaluation of the Safe Harbor Initiative in Minnesota - Phase 3

Minnesota's Safe Harbor program provides legal protection and services for sexually trafficked or exploited youth. Among the findings: Safe Harbor provides services that would not otherwise be available. Read the report »

Behavioral Health Home Services: Implementation Evaluation Report

Read the report »

Linking Health and Economic Prosperity: A Study of U.S. Metro Areas

Read the report »

Evaluating Personal Narrative Storytelling for Advocacy: A Literature Review Prepared for Living Proof Advocacy

Read the report »