United States Studies

About the Program

More than 40 percent of young adults in the United States report symptoms of anxiety or depression, the highest levels recorded in over a decade. Gun violence has overtaken car accidents as the leading cause of death among youth, turning safety into a daily concern. College tuition has tripled in real terms since the 1980s, leaving borrowers under 35 with the largest student debt burdens relative to income. Despite record levels of educational attainment, youth unemployment rates remain consistently above the national average, and many who find work face low wages or unstable jobs. Housing costs have risen faster than earnings for over twenty years, pushing home ownership further out of reach and increasing housing insecurity among younger generations.

The United States Studies program responds to these realities by examining the policies that shape both the daily lives and long-term opportunities of young people in the United States. Through rigorous research and lived experience, we translates these realities into concrete policy analysis that decision-makers can act upon. Our goal is to deliver clear, practical solutions to the political, economic, and social challenges facing young Americans today.

Key Research Areas

We examine the implications of immigration, residency, and naturalization laws for undocumented youth and their families, assessing how federal and state-level frameworks shape access to education, healthcare, and long-term economic opportunity.
Our research evaluates the structural drivers of youth violence, the efficacy and equity of sentencing and incarceration practices, and alternative models of rehabilitation that prioritize prevention, community safety, and reintegration.
We analyze the effectiveness of federal, state, and local education policies in advancing access, quality, and affordability. Special attention is paid to how funding models, admissions practices, and student debt shape outcomes for low-income students.
We study the intersection of youth mental health needs, healthcare affordability, and insurance coverage gaps. Our analysis identifies policy shortcomings and proposes scalable interventions to expand timely, effective care for young Americans.
Persistent inflation and the rising cost of living have made it increasingly difficult for many young Americans to meet daily expenses while carrying unprecedented levels of student debt. At the same time, soaring housing prices and limited access to homeownership have placed the American Dream—long regarded as a cornerstone of financial stability and middle-class life—beyond reach for much of this generation. We examine how wages, employment, student debt, and housing costs influence the economic well-being of young Americans.

Our Contribution

The United States Studies program develops solutions to the most urgent challenges facing young Americans today. We assess how existing laws and programs affect the youth and identify where they fall short. Drawing on both data and direct input from young people, we design alternative approaches that are practical and measurable. These ideas are refined through dialogue with students, educators, and community leaders, then published in policy briefs, essays, reports, op-eds, and other formats that inform public understanding and contribute to policy dialogue.