Research and Learning at Wyman involves:
- Measuring outcomes and using the results for quality improvement.
- Designing, developing, and evaluating innovations.
- Accelerating learning through local and national knowledge exchanges.
Approach and Theory of Change
Wyman programs are rooted in Wyman’s Framework for Thriving Youth, a carefully crafted theoretical foundation for Wyman’s programming which captures the essential elements of a transformative youth development approach and the ultimate outcomes that we strive for all young people to achieve: educational success, healthy behaviors and relationships, and life and leadership skills.
Our Framework for Thriving Youth emphasizes building skills, developing a positive sense of self, and making connections to others as key levers to achieving these outcomes. Surrounding this work are caring, responsive, and knowledgeable adults who build relationships with young people to create engaging, supportive, and safe environments where young people are supported to achieve positive growth.
Our Framework is grounded in youth development research and serves as the compass for all Wyman programming.
Program logic models map out each program’s specific components and strategy for change within the context of this larger Framework and guide our outcomes measurement approach.
Outcomes show the positive impact of our programs. View our 2024-2025 program year outcomes here.
Results and Recognition
Summary of TOP Results
Summary of TCP Results
Wyman Leaders Study Summary
TOP Evidence-Based Recognitions
TCP Evidence-Based Recognitions
Both TOP and TCP are recognized as Promising Programs by Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development and received CASEL’s highest designation for quality programming, among several other evidence-based recognitions.
Case Studies and Presentations
Implementing the Teen Outreach Program with Special Populations
Watch this video to learn more about Wyman’s Research and Learning process
Research and Learning in 2025
Wyman’s Research and Learning department presented a poster at the Advancing School Mental Health Conference highlighting an approach for gathering and using youth feedback to strengthen TCP programming. This approach is used in Wyman’s delivery of TCP at University City High School and helps facilitators understand how teens are experiencing the program and forming connections with peers.
Research and Learning also explored long-term outcomes of Wyman Leaders while leading a re-design of the program to ensure it remains effective, impactful, and responsive to the needs of teens. The team compared postsecondary data from Wyman Leaders alumni to data from peers who attended the same high schools during the same timeframes and found that Wyman Leaders alumni outperformed their peers in both postsecondary enrollment and completion rates. Results underscore the importance of helping teens develop support networks beyond their families and build life and leadership skills.
Read a summary of our Wyman Leaders findings here.
It is hard to find organizations that are really committed to doing evidence-based work because it’s incredibly logistically challenging. Most organizations…don’t have the resources to do that. So Wyman is unique in that regard and it’s crucial because as you move beyond having powerful anecdotes describing the ways you’ve helped kids, people who want to fund programs and policy makers really want to see the hard data; they want to see rigorously evaluated programs and Wyman is now producing those.
Backed by my research, it’s evident that the collaboration between Missouri State University and the Wyman Center significantly bolsters the success of first-generation and low-income students. The data underscores that this partnership bridges educational gaps and cultivates a sense of belonging and holistic growth, aligning perfectly with the institutions’ dedication to fostering inclusive excellence.
Learning out Loud: Wyman’s Research and Learning Blog
How Wyman Leaders Shapes Futures
How Wyman Leaders Shapes Futures By Nicki Thomson, PhD, Senior Director of Research and Learning, [...]
07
Jul
Jul
Wyman’s 2023-24 outcomes show positive impact of programs
Wyman’s 2023-24 Program Outcomes Adolescence can be a period of significant challenges. It is also [...]
16
May
May
2024 Research & Learning Highlights
2024 Research & Learning Highlights Background In 2024, Wyman’s Research & Learning department partnered with [...]
23
Apr
Apr
Wyman’s scholarship partnerships: A critical source of support for young people
by Nicki Thomson, PhD; Wyman’s Senior Director of Research and Learning Wyman is committed to [...]
06
Jan
Jan
2023 outcomes show that Wyman’s programs positively impact young people
2023 Outcomes Adolescence can be a period of significant challenges. It is also a time [...]
06
Mar
Mar
How it works: Effective partnerships to support equity in degree completions
by Nicki Thomson, PhD Senior Director, Research and Learning Background In collaboration with Dr. Florian Sichling [...]
08
Feb
Feb
The long-term, positive impact of Wyman Leaders
by Nicki Thomson, PhD Senior Director, Research and Learning Wyman is committed to ensuring strong [...]
29
Aug
Aug
Learning and Responding to Youth Needs: Wyman’s Commitment to Doing the Next Right Thing, Part one of a two-part series
Through 2020 and into 2021, our nation has dealt with the “triple pandemic” of COVID-19, [...]
26
Oct
Oct
Learning and Responding to Youth Needs: Wyman’s Commitment to Doing the Next Right Thing, Part two of a two-part series
In the first part of this series, Learning and Responding to Youth Needs: Wyman’s Commitment [...]
25
Oct
Oct
It’s Time to Prioritize Healthy Adolescent Social Connections
by Nicki Thomson, Senior Director of Research and Learning, and Grace Bramman, Associate Director of [...]
07
Jul
Jul
For Teens in TN Residential Care Centers, TOP Provides Voice, Choice, and Connection to Community
At any given time, more than 8,000 young people in Tennessee, often coming from very [...]
16
Apr
Apr
A Focus on Connections – Now, and Beyond the Pandemic
“I barely interact with people and I’m always cooped up inside the house.” “For [...]
14
Dec
Dec