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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

Sign on a storefront reading "We Accept EBT Food Stamp Benefits"

What evidence says about how to improve SNAP and reduce food insecurity

Research shows that these proven interventions can help increase eligible households’ access to SNAP.
A woman working in a leather textile shop.

Expanding access to financing for SMEs

Access to finance is critical for firms to grow, innovate, and create jobs that help workers escape poverty. However, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide are often underserved by financial institutions. In this blog, we explore early findings on SME financing for policymakers...
A headshot of a woman

Carolina Morais Araujo, J-PAL '19, on scaling impact in LAC

The Alumni Spotlight series highlights J-PAL alumni who are making an impact across industries and around the world. Formerly a senior manager at J-PAL Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Carolina Morais Araujo ‘19 is now Associate Director at Delivery Associates.
A group photo of the North America DEI Working Group in front of the Boston skyline

J-PAL North America’s DEIWG: Lessons and Reflections from 2023-24

This is the first of an annual series of blog posts about J-PAL North America's DEI efforts.
Aerial view of irrigated nile river valley meeting the dry arid desert

Navigating climate justice in MENA: Emerging carbon markets

By
Carbon markets are rapidly being developed by multiple countries, including those in the Middle East North Africa. While these markets aim to reduce emissions and enhance corporate action, rigorous impact evaluation and evidence-use is needed to ensure that the design and implementation of these...
A man presenting in front of a seated group of people

Beyond the Incubator: Building a community of practice

The Bay Area Evaluation community of practice is committed to supporting rigorously designed evaluations; implementing constituent-centered programs; sharing knowledge and stories; and informing housing policy in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Kids playing during school

Improving the quality of preschool education in Brazil

Bracell Foundation and J-PAL LAC launched a project, “Strengthening Learning and Development in Brazilian Preschools,” to identify, implement, and evaluate promising programs focused on improving the quality of education in preschools that have the potential to be scaled up.
Learning math in classroom India

The making of an NGO consortium to scale up “Every Child Counts” in India

In India, nearly every eligible child is enrolled in a primary school today. But many of them struggle to read simple sentences and do basic arithmetic. These children need special support to strengthen their foundational learning capabilities. Every Child Counts - a game-based curriculum designed...