Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at Notre Dame

"This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on what makes our work possible: partners and supporters like you. Your commitment helps us apply research and compassion to address the challenges of poverty. Thank you for being part of this mission. #LEOThanks

We believe the solutions to poverty grow stronger with every new voice at the table. Do you know a nonprofit or government office whose mission aligns with ours? Introduce them to LEO at [email protected], and together, we can create lasting change. #LEOThanks

At LEO, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the growing network of partners working with us to tackle poverty with evidence-based solutions. Thank you for being part of the change. #LEOThanks

LEO’s latest working paper, out in NBER this week, evaluates the "Step Up" program, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy initiative designed to reduce violence in jails. Key findings: ? Behavioral incidents reduced by 49% ? Assaults down by 50% ? Long-lasting impacts beyond the program How could these findings inform future interventions? ?? Read the full paper and let us know what you think. https://bit.ly/48YXFO1

Last week, our team had the opportunity to visit Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit transforming lives through entrepreneurship. Their flagship program, The Academy, is a 10-week course designed to empower historically underestimated individuals to turn their ideas into businesses. Entrepreneurs learn everything from marketing and customer engagement to accounting and pitching their ideas. To date, Corner to Corner has served more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, 88% of whom are Black women, contributing $27.9 million to the local economy in just the past year. Our visit coincided with The Academy’s graduation, a joyful celebration of community and progress. As LEO faculty member, Patrick Turner shared: "I mainly sat in awe by the joy and energy these (primarily) women exuded as they celebrated their graduation from The Academy. There was a real strong sense of community in the event center." We were also honored to participate in their Compassion Pitch Contest, where LEO research assistant, Nick Nguyen served as a judge and heard some truly innovative ideas. Corner to Corner reminds us of the power of community-driven solutions. By meeting people where they are and equipping them with the tools to succeed, they are not just changing individual lives—they are transforming neighborhoods. #LEOPartners #EconomicOpportunity #Entrepreneurship #CornerToCorner

How do you make sure you’re focusing on what actually works? At LEO, we let the evidence do the talking. In our latest blog, we share how staying nonpartisan and transparent helps us uncover the best solutions to fight poverty. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4fl9pN7

Are you a detail-oriented project manager passionate about reducing poverty in America? LEO at Notre Dame is hiring a cohorts and convenings project manager to guide nonprofit partners in creating impactful research. In this role, you'll lead the cohort process and manage stakeholder convenings, ensuring that LEO’s work is rigorous, respectful, and hope-filled. Join us on the journey to evidence-based impact. Apply at https://bit.ly/4fpCYgA #ProjectManager #SocialImpact #NotreDame #LEO

Are you passionate about changing the face of poverty in America? We are seeking an associate director, strategic partnerships—a proactive leader who will expand our impact through strategic partnerships and mission-driven relationships. Join us in transforming poverty interventions with the power of research. Apply today to lead a team that believes every solution should be as rigorous as it is person-centered. https://bit.ly/3YLLCPo #Hiring #Leadership #SocialImpact #NotreDame #PovertyResearch

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor the courage and dedication of veterans across the country. Every year, more than 200,000 veterans make the transition from active duty to civilian life—a journey often filled with unique challenges related to employment, mental health, and stability. While Veterans Day is one day dedicated to recognizing their service, LEO’s partners work every day to meet veterans’ needs and provide critical support. Organizations like NPower and Recovery Resource Council are empowering veterans with pathways to meaningful employment and accessible mental health resources, creating opportunities for growth and stability in civilian life. At LEO, we’re honored to work alongside such dedicated partners, whose programs reflect the strength, resilience, and dignity of our veterans. Together, we’re paving the way for veterans to thrive—today and every day. #VeteransDay #HonoringVeterans #PartneringForChange

Families in crisis shouldn’t have to choose between burying loved ones and financial stability. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has stepped up to provide essential funeral and burial assistance to those facing both grief and financial hardship. This program has reached nearly 2,000 families, helping them avoid debt and stay in their homes. At LEO, we’re honored to partner with Catholic Charities, studying the program’s impact to understand the difference compassionate support can make in times of crisis. Read the full article to learn how Catholic Charities’ support and our research are illuminating a path forward: https://bit.ly/48ANPBA #LEOPartners #OutsmartingPoverty #SocialImpact