American Institutes for Research

Qualitative and quantitative methods each bring their own strengths and weaknesses to a research topic. Using mixed methods—which combines them—gives researchers the advantages of both. In this video, learn how mixed methods helped answer questions about school attendance in rural Zambia. Have a minute? Browse more short videos that explain the methods behind our research. https://bit.ly/47oRh1k

AIR manages USAID’s Famine Early Warning System Network's (#FEWSNET) Learning and Data Hub. FEWS NET scientists recently announced how they are using #climatechange-based insights to predict extreme weather events like droughts and floods up to eight months ahead of time. Their findings include recommendations for how to use these long-lead forecasts to proactively respond to and prevent humanitarian crises such as severe food insecurity.

"One of the things that I like most about my work is being able to be part of a literally historic transformation." 🇲🇽 Deputy Country Director Gabriela Capo, based in our Mexico City office, discusses AIR's work supporting labor reform in Mexico for the benefit of both workers and the government agencies who protect their rights.

"Sadly, time has tempered public outrage at racial justice inequity, and amid growing concerns about crime and community violence, we've experienced less public pressure to divest from traditional policing strategies and invest in communities." -Candace Hamilton Hester, Principal Researcher In new commentary published by The Imprint News, AIR’s Candace Hester shares a personal connection to her work and describes how community leaders are devising alternative justice strategies based on equity. These new strategies are aimed at helping young people reconnect with family, school, and community while lessening mental trauma and stigma associated with contact with the justice system.

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is seeking consultant evaluators for an anticipated Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) partnership. This opportunity is dedicated to inclusive education systems for children in displacement and other marginalized children in ten countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Haiti, Kenya, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and Jordan. The MEL partnership will generate, interpret, and promote the use of evidence within the following focus areas: ● Specific socially excluded groups: displaced children and children on the margin; ● Whole Child Development through change in education systems, for children aged 3 to 15 years. ● A holistic learning frame emphasizing social and emotional learning. If you are an evaluator working in education with a focus on children on the margins or in forced displacement, and you are based in any of the above countries, please contact AIR’s lead for this opportunity, Ravi Ram, via LinkedIn for more information on the full scope of work and project requirements.

Weekend art break 🎨 See how our latest Meet the Expert portrait of principal researcher Pooja Reddy Nakamura of came together. Portrait by Rick J. Burks for AIR.

Diversity MBA, a national leadership organization that integrates diversity and inclusion with talent management, has ranked AIR tenth in "50 Out Front: Best Places to Work for Women and Diverse Managers." ✨ This is the fourth time AIR has received this honor in the past five years, and this year, AIR also earned a Best in Class award for significant contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the institution. DEI is central to AIR's mission, and we are proud to work towards greater inclusion and create a positive work environment centered on equity. Read more about the award and see the full list of honorees: https://bit.ly/44Pygn1

We remember and honor the life and legacy of Ambassador Delano Lewis, a member of the AIR Board of Directors who passed away on Aug. 2 at the age of 84. Lewis led an eclectic and inspirational life of meaning and service across the globe in both the public and private sectors. Having grown up in a segregated Kansas community in the 1950s, he overcame feelings of isolation to earn his law degree, serve in the Peace Corps, and become a telecommunications executive. In 1993, he became the first African American CEO of National Public Radio, and in 1999 was appointed the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa. In addition to the AIR Board of Directors, he also served many corporate boards and was an early and innovative adopter of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In the words of AIR CEO David Myers, "Delano inspired us through his work, his words, and his actions, and his leadership helped make us a better institution." We are grateful for Ambassador Lewis' service to AIR and our thoughts are with his family and friends. https://bit.ly/3rXTm47

The effects of climate change are not distributed equally, with many low-income communities bearing the greatest burden. In East Africa, where AIR has staff and offices in Kenya and Ethiopia, we are excited to partner with Development in Gardening (DIG), a non-profit fostering #ClimateChangeResilience and nutritional equity among marginalized families. Focusing on those for whom agriculture is typically inaccessible—including women with young children, individuals with disabilities or living with HIV, and refugees—DIG equips community members to plant regenerative gardens that grow health, wealth, and a sense of belonging. Learn more about AIR’s partnership with DIG on our new Partnerships for Progress page: https://lnkd.in/gQ_gTD3G Image description: A smiling Kenyan woman holds a plant in her right hand. A child sits in a sling across her body. Overlaid on the image is a quote from Sarah Koch, CEO and Founder of DIG, which reads: "Through its partnership with DIG, AIR's support will reach some of the most marginalized women in rural Kenya, providing training and resources to start gardens that will feed their families and transform their communities."

"At AIR, we are committed to ensuring that staff with disabilities have every opportunity to thrive." -Karen Belinda Francis, Ph.D., AIR VP and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. For the second consecutive year, AIR has been recognized as one of the best places to work for people with disabilities by the Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities. AIR received a score of 100, a recognition of growth in improving employment practices to attract and retain staff with disabilities, expanding awareness of internal communications and community engagement, and enhancing programs including Access AIR, our disability-focused employee resource group. https://bit.ly/43Rki2J Image: White text on a blue background reads "AIR Named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion 2023." The Disability Equality Index and AIR logos are included below.