J-PAL North America Launches Poverty Research Program

The program supports twenty early-career researchers with training in randomized evaluation methods.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Internships

Isometric editorial illustration of a magnifying lens focused on a complex geometric grid, representing academic research methodology. — J-PAL North America has introduced a new poverty research training program, providing mentorship and randomized evaluation expertise to twenty early-career academic scholars. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In June 2026, J-PAL North America launched the Applied Research Training in Evaluation, Methods, and Impact Studies program to assist poverty researchers. The inaugural cohort features twenty scholars, ranging from PhD students to pre-tenure faculty.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to bridge critical gaps for researchers who lack prior exposure to randomized evaluations. By providing mentorship and proposal development, the program seeks to bolster evidence-based poverty reduction research across the United States.

The inaugural program cohort consists of 20 researchers receiving support over a six-month duration. This effort is backed by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, and Arnold Ventures.

The players

J-PAL North America

This research center works to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

This philanthropic organization provides grants for research and education in science, technology, and economic performance.

Russell Sage Foundation

This foundation is dedicated to improving social and living conditions in the United States through social science research.

Arnold Ventures

This philanthropy focuses on evidence-based solutions to address systemic issues in areas such as public finance and criminal justice.

The details

The curriculum includes intensive training, webinars, and office hours to help scholars refine their study designs and research proposals. Participants also gain access to the broader J-PAL research network to foster future academic collaborations.

The Summer Institute intensive training commenced in June 2026.
The program announcement was published on October 30, 2026.
Initial mentorship and support conclude in December 2026.

Market Landscape

This initiative scales the influence of the J-PAL North America research network by training a new pipeline of academics. It positions the organization as a central hub for evidence-based policy development against other academic grant-making institutions.

The program helps early-career researchers secure funding and mentorship for their poverty studies. These improvements in research methodology aim to enhance the quality of data available for future public policy decisions.

The takeaway

Early-career researchers should leverage professional development opportunities to align their methodologies with established evidence-based standards. Strengthening study designs during the pre-tenure phase remains a vital step for securing long-term research impact.