YPL's Brian Jacob has partnered with colleagues at U-M (Elyse Thulin and Justin Heinze) & other national researchers to better understand school cellphone policies. Read the highlights of their research to-date & the questions that the research teams are exploring: research.umich.edu/research-sto...

How should Michigan schools restrict student cellphone use—and which approaches work best for students, teachers and families? Hear from YPL Co-Director Brian Jacob and Justin Heinze about the latest research on school cellphone policies here in the state. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y0J...

Put your phone away, but where? How U-M is testing which cellphone rules work in Michigan schools

YouTube video by University of Michigan

youtube.com

Let's connect at SREE! Robin Jacob, Catherine Asher, and Megan Jagolinzer will be sharing findings about YPL's research on school-based mental health supports, high-dosage tutoring, and chronic absenteeism. #SREE2026 #YouthPolicyLab

Spotlight on Youth Policy Lab's career & technical education (CTE) work: our research & analysis informed CTE policy & program decisions in Washtenaw County. That's what we're about → engaging in research that makes a real difference for youth & families! looktomichigan.umich.edu/stories/cte-...

U-M research helps expand access to career and technical education - Look to Michigan

More than 46,000 students in Washtenaw County, Michigan, will begin having greater access to career and technical education during the 2026–27 school year as a…

looktomichigan.umich.edu

Our FY25-26 annual report has all the highlights of research on school cellphone policies, intensive tutoring, child welfare, early elementary instruction, chronic absenteeism, adolescent mental health, career and technical education, and more youthpolicylab.umich.edu/youth-policy...

"I think we're still at the very beginning stages of figuring out exactly what type of restrictions implemented in what way will be most effective." Brian Jacob spoke to the Heartlander News about school cellphone policy research in light of Kansas City’s new bell-to-bell ban. myumi.ch/4xQ6A

Bell-to-bell cell bans may not show significant changes in the numbers, but clear classroom improvements are evident - Heartlander News

Studies of American schools with bell-to-bell cellphone bans – which include schools in Missouri and Kansas – may not reveal an immediate improvement in quantitative areas such as standardized test sc...

myumi.ch

Brian Jacob offers his insights to help Michigan’s education administrators make informed decisions regarding the trade-offs of different approaches for school cellphone policies.. www.the74million.org/article/with...

Classes are starting soon and the new Michigan law restricting cellphone use in schools is going into effect. As districts determine how to respond to the new guidelines, Brian Jacob talked with the Detroit News and shared insights from his related research. www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...

“Talk data to me”. This was the motto of this year’s ASPIRE cohort. During their final presentations, they made the case for why schools need to view attendance, discipline, counseling referrals, and other factors as signals of something deeper in students' lives. myumi.ch/9JgrW

“Talk data to me”: ASPIRE fellows explore youth mental health, school trust, and pathways into policy research

The 2026 Applied Social Policy Internship and Research Experience brought students from Spelman College and Morehouse College to the University of Michigan for hands-on training in applied social poli...

youthpolicylab.umich.edu

One week ago, ASPIRE 2026 students from Morehouse and Spelman shared their research with confidence, insight, and clarity. Mentors, Ford School and Youth Policy Lab faculty/staff, speakers, supporters, friends, and family joined to celebrate their hard work!

Coming up this week! Brian Jacob and colleagues will share their research on smartphone restrictions in schools at the National Bureau of Economic Research Summer Institute. It will be an engaging discussion led by Brian. Read the paper: conference.nber.org/conf_papers/...

It's been a summer of learning, growth, and celebrations! 🎉☀️🎂 Joasia Jacobs, Olivia Liddie, Chavous Langhorn, and Vincent Patterson all had birthdays during the ASPIRE program this summer. We’re grateful to share these special moments together and wish them all the best in the year ahead! #ASPIRE

Did you catch our video a couple days ago? Joasia Jacobs has also captured her experience in the ASPIRE summer program. Follow along as she shows a typical day here at the University of Michigan. #DITL #ASPIRE

Wonder about a day in the life of an ASPIRE student? Join Spelman College student Olivia Liddie as she takes us on a journey from the dorm to the classroom to the Big House! #ASPIRE #DITL youthpolicylab.umich.edu/aspire

Welcome, Vanya Funez! Vanya is joining the data team at YPL. Vanya is a recent graduate of Williams College and a participant in the @umisr.bsky.social Junior Professional Researcher program. Learn more: isr.umich.edu/training-opp...

Thanks to the inspiring speakers that have shared their stories, insights, and experiences with the ASPIRE cohort. Through meaningful small-group discussions, the students have gained clarity and found opportunities for reflection as they consider the many paths available to them after college.

The ASPIRE cohort traded laptops for tongs & spent an evening volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor at a family cookout. It's a great opportunity to support an organization that provides comfort, care, & a sense of home for families navigating difficult times. #ASPIRE #service

Youth Policy Lab partnered with Detroit Future City on a report on preparing Detroit's youth for jobs of the future. The analysis informed the roadmap for action, with roles for schools, employers, workforce organizations, nonprofits, & youth-serving institutions. www.dbusiness.com/hustle-and-m...

Report: Detroit Youth Need Stronger Education-to-career Pathways

A new report from Detroit Future City and The Skillman Foundation outlines strategies to expand career-connected learning, strengthen workforce readiness, and improve long-term economic opportunity fo...

dbusiness.com

The ASPIRE students do more than work hard in the classroom - they also have the chance to get out and explore Ann Arbor and Detroit. Check out some photos from a recent Detroit Tigers game and a visit to the Big House! #ASPIRE Learn more: youthpolicylab.umich.edu/aspire

The 2026 ASPIRE cohort is settling in at the University of Michigan! We were pleased to welcome these six students from Morehouse College and Spelman College and look forward to all that is to come over the next few weeks. Learn more: youthpolicylab.umich.edu/aspire

Don't miss the latest from YPL! 📰 Our newest newsletter is out now, featuring recent research updates, program news, media mentions, and staff highlights. You can read the full issue on our website — and be sure to subscribe so you’re first to know next time! mailchi.mp/118b9c8410eb...

YPL was proud to partner with Detroit Future City as the research partner on a new report focused on preparing Detroit youth for jobs of the future. Check out the report and learn how we can equip young Detroiters to succeed in a changing economy: myumi.ch/11mpy

YPL Policy Fellowship in Action!  Sam Owusu co-led a session at the Michigan Head Start Association Spring Assembly on enhancing partnerships in early childhood with colleagues from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential and Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

In a recent New York Times article, Brian Jacob offered his insight about the end of the No Child Left Behind law and its relevancy for recent test score declines. Read the article: www.nytimes.com/2026/05/13/u...

Why U.S. Test Scores Are in a ‘Generation-Long Decline’

nytimes.com

New Report! A research team led by researchers at @um-ypl.bsky.social y.social & @umichsph.bsky.social explored Michigan school cellphone policies. Key finding: Nearly all districts have a cellphone policy in place, but they differ in how & when they restrict cellphone use. myumi.ch/Z8kRy

Michigan School Cellphone Policy Study: Landscape Analysis

myumi.ch

Dimitri Przeslawski shared the highlights of his experience as a Policy Fellow with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. youthpolicylab.umich.edu/research/fel...

Fellowship Spotlight: Advancing Postsecondary Education for Adult Learners in Michigan

youthpolicylab.umich.edu

🔈Robin Jacob will be speaking this week at the National Student Support Accelerator (NSSA) 2026 Conference. If you're there, be sure to catch her talk about the effects of in-person and virtual literacy tutoring for elementary students. #tutoring

@nytimes.com: Brian Jacob and other leading researchers share findings on the impact of school cell phone restrictions, focusing on the use of lockable phone pouches. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/04/u... NBER Working Paper: tom-dee.github.io/files/w35132... About the research: myumi.ch/Mpw5W

Did School Cellphone Bans Work? New Study Finds Mixed Results.

nytimes.com

Dr. Robin Jacob and Dr. Catherine Asher spoke before the Michigan House Education and Workforce Committee on April 29th about the potential of high dosage tutoring to improve early literacy skills. Check out the recording (starting at 54:44) house.mi.gov/VideoArchive...

We are pleased to share the results of our study of TRAILS, a program designed to enhance social & behavioral outcomes in students affected by mental illness by providing supportive services in schools, where youth are more likely to access them.  youthpolicylab.umich.edu/research/rep...

Impact of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program on Student Mental Health and Academic Outcomes: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial

youthpolicylab.umich.edu