UMass Boston

The Center for Social Policy (CSP) leverages its unique strength at Boston’s urban public university.  Deeply rooted in the community it serves, CSP investigates the root causes of economic hardship and social inequities to generate high-impact policy solutions.

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Who We Are

A research center with over 30 years of experience in reshaping poverty policy for and with families and communities. We provide research, technical assistance, and strategic evaluations targeting root causes and highlighting effective interventions that address economic hardship and social exclusion. 

What We Do

Our faculty, researchers, and constituent advisors provide a transdisciplinary lens to complex urban problems. We are experts in advanced quantitative methods and rigorous qualitative techniques.

Bridge Research with Lived Experience

• The Center for Social Policy believes that constituent engagement in research illuminates the realities faced by families living in poverty. Our inclusive, people-centered approach to research gives a voice to those living in poverty, while our deep connection with and understanding of the communities we serve lend credibility to our work. 

Cultivate Alliances with Stakeholders 

• True to our vow to “build knowledge from the ground up,” the Center for Social Policy highly values partnerships for learning and action. Through our quantitative and qualitative research, strategic evaluations, and engagement work, we collaborate with community members, the third sector, philanthropy, employers, government, and academia.

Empower Through Capacity Building

• The Center for Social Policy helps organizations adapt to changing needs in a changing world. Our recommendations and technical assistance lead to community-driven change, improved practices, as well as stronger planning, operations, and partnerships.