The Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy examines systemic issues at the intersection of social policy and equity, and helps leaders and residents make informed decisions about those issues.
The Center’s projects seek to make race and ethnicity and socioeconomic status a primary focus of our inclusion-related work, with an understanding and a willingness to explore how those factors intersect with gender, neighborhood, and identities that affect one’s well-being.
We analyze and disseminate community-relevant research about social disparities and complex policy issues.
All of our work and areas of focus account for disparities in outcomes and trends for different demographics with an emphasis on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
We assess trends in neighborhood school performance and outcomes for at-risk students.
We analyze and evaluate homelessness intervention and prevention strategies.
We conduct analyses on affordable housing trends and strategies.
We analyze the challenges facing at-risk neighborhoods in Indianapolis and how they are affected by policies and initiatives.
We analyze effectiveness of programs that aim to reduce poverty in at-risk communities.
We examine root causes of crime-related activities in Indianapolis neighborhoods.
We evaluate programs and evidence-based practices that aim to improve outcomes for youth and families.
CRISP provides a unique opportunity to discuss issues at the nexus of poverty and social demographics. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to addressing disparities, CRISP is dedicated to identifying what can work to reduce them.
Breanca Merritt, Founding Director
CRISP leadership has committed to building a team of faculty, students, and staff who reflect the communities we serve and the topics we study. We continuously recruit and partner with a diverse pool of researchers and individuals who care about community engagement. To us, diversity includes both lived experience as well as topical expertise.
