The Workplace Center, Columbia School of Social Work has a track record that spans over 45 years of research and evaluation; program and policy development; and technical assistance and training related to workforce development for individuals at risk of not being able to secure or sustain employment. The first Center of its kind in the nation, its initiatives bring to bear the most current evidence base to support social service providers, employers, unions and all levels of government to help individuals overcome barriers to employment. Under the direction of Lauren B. Gates, Ph. D., Center staff is expert in utilizing multi-method approaches that respond to the challenges of conducting research and evaluations in field settings and using a range of designs from descriptive to controlled experiments. The Center also plays a central role in the translation of research into practice and influencing systems in the uptake of research. As part of Columbia University and a premiere school of social work, it provides leadership to the profession and to academia. The Center’s staff has published findings widely and presented at national conferences and, through field placements and graduate research assistantships, it prepares future professionals to utilize career development and employment evidence-based practice.
