Case Studies

Using Theater to Address Complex Social Issues

A theater-based approach helps to address complex and critical community issues. Metis evaluation shows promising results in developing new partnerships and engaging audience members in authentic topical discussions.

Building the Youth Thrive™ Survey

Metis helped the distinguished Center for the Study of Social Policy develop, validate, and launch their Youth Thrive™ Survey. The survey is used by youth-focused providers across the country to inform case planning and practice decisions.

Bringing HOPE to Staten Island

Following an intensive, multi-partner planning effort, the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office offered eligible substance-abuse offenders pre-arraignment diversion services. Early implementation findings suggest it is a promising approach to combating the city’s rising opioid crisis.

Understanding the Impact of Home Visiting on Vulnerable Families

Florida’s fifth-most affluent county offers home visiting services to vulnerable pregnant women and mothers of young children. We helped them study the effectiveness of delivering home visits through a coordinated system of care approach to keeping these families safe and healthy.

Improving Four-Year College Graduation Rates

We helped the nation’s largest city university system test the efficacy of its baccalaureate completion program, yielding both promising outcomes and support for program expansion.

Bringing Promise to Camden, New Jersey

Metis grant writers won over $30 million to help a broad coalition of cross-sector partners transform one of the most challenged cities in the US into a place of opportunity and promise.

Using Magnet Programs to Fight School Desegregation

In 25 years, in over 25 districts, we have helped develop magnet school programs in support of court-ordered and voluntary desegregation plans. We raised well above $236 million in government grant funding to support these plans.

Supporting School Climate Transformation in Nevada

Metis supports a regional Technical Assistance Center that is building schools’ capacity in evidence-based behavior interventions to develop a customized and highly interactive data dashboard. We are helping state leaders visualize and use data to support local programming.

Making Data Count for Two-Generation Grantees

On behalf of a national foundation, we help local community-based organizations across the country offer data-informed parent-child programming. We deliver highly customized support services that engage parents and staff in making data count.

Community-Led Needs and Resource Assessment in Maine

Metis researchers supported a community-led effort to identify needs, service gaps, and assets within a Portland, Maine neighborhood. Findings helped launch a multi-partner collective impact effort focused on neighborhood transformation.

Supporting Community Collaboration in Georgia

With the largest network of community collaboratives nationwide, Georgia is leading the work to collectively improve conditions for children youth, families, and neighborhoods. Since 1995, we have helped local collaboratives and state-level partners assess change in Georgia’s benchmarks.

Building Stronger Schools in Newark

A careful needs analysis led to a transformative theory of change for community schools. Early results show higher student achievement, according to a multi-year Metis study.

Getting NYC Girls Outside

The premier leadership organization for girls in New York City uses summer camp to develop girls’ social-emotional learning skills.

Disrupting the Cycle of Homelessness

Metis helps a 125-year-old New York City settlement house determine if aftercare services like financial and job counseling keep previously homeless families from becoming displaced again.

Making The Arts Count In New York City

Metis helps the largest school system in the nation document annually the delivery of quality arts education for all student across approximately 1,700 public schools.