Outreach
At the Shaw Center for Children and Families, our mission is driven by collaboration. We believe that impactful, transformative research cannot happen in a vacuum, it requires a deeply connected ecosystem of community advocates, world-class scholars, and dedicated industry partners. Through our outreach initiatives, we unite diverse expertise to bridge the gap between scientific theory and real-world impact, ensuring our work directly benefits children, families, and communities.
Our collaborative network spans three vital areas:
Community Coalitions & Partners
We work hand-in-hand with local coalitions and grassroots organizations including Head Start, Prevent Child Abuse St. Joseph County, and Ready to Grow St. Joe to support the real-time needs of our community. Our local partners generously share their regional knowledge, help us connect with research participants, and ensure our studies are contextually and culturally relevant. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient system of care for families.
Academic Alliances
Scientific discovery thrives on shared knowledge. Our faculty affiliates partner with leading researchers locally at Holy Cross College, nationally across institutions like Northwestern and Penn State, and internationally from Cairo to Monterrey. By collaborating across borders, we explore how developmental theories apply to different cultures and environments, expanding the global understanding of child and family well-being.
Meet our community and research partners
Industry Collaborations
To turn research insights into sustainable, scalable solutions, we engage with industry stakeholders. These partnerships help us translate data into practical tools, innovative programming, and community resources that drive meaningful, long-term change.
Want to collaborate? Whether you are a local organization, a fellow researcher, or an industry professional, we invite you to explore our network or reach out to see how we can work together to treasure and protect the next generation.