What We’re Learning

What We’re Learning

We believe that a community of creative problem-solvers, faced with complicated, seemingly intractable challenges, is well-served by thought-provoking, research-based information and analysis. We support the development and dissemination of research in two ways:

Abell Reports

Abell Reports are commissioned reports by subject matter experts, academics, and investigative journalists that provide studies of selected issues on the public agenda.

Abell-Supported Research

These projects – undertaken with grant funding by academics and nonprofit research and advocacy organizations – advance learning on issues key to Baltimore City.

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    Featured Reports

    Photo courtesy of the Goucher Prison Education Partnership.

    2024 Annual Report

    A reflection on the promising new approaches and new resources that have been brought to bear in the last decade.

    Abell Report: “Justice by Geography”: Improving Pretrial Electric Monitoring in Maryland

    Recent changes to state funding have reignited conversations among Maryland corrections leaders about expanding and strengthening electronic monitoring (EM) and pretrial services. This report summarizes key findings from the Justice Policy Institute’s research into EM as well as best practices.

    Abell Report: Evidence of Racial Bias in Home Appraisals in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area

    Racial bias in home appraising can harm individuals by making home purchases more expensive or refinancing unattainable, but when compounded on the community level, it can have profound impacts on minority communities’ ability to build wealth. Using newly available federal data, this report finds evidence of systemic appraisal bias that undervalues homes in predominantly Black communities in Baltimore City and the surrounding counties.

    Publications Library

    Making Impactful Juvenile Justice Reform: Lessons from Recent State Efforts

    This Abell Report examines recent efforts at reforming the juvenile justice systems in various states and finds key lessons for Maryland.

    Adult High School Diploma Achievement in Baltimore

    This report examines how adults can earn a high school diploma in Baltimore City and what opportunities exist to improve outcomes for degree attainment.

    Baltimore Police Department: Understanding its status as a state agency

    The Baltimore Police Department became a state agency over 150 years ago. Would a change to city control have any practical impact?

    Combining Forces

    An Abell Foundation inquiry into the metropolitan consolidations in Louisville, Kentucky; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Nashville, Tennessee.

    Abell Salutes: Lakeland Elementary Middle School

    For proving what is possible and for facilitating the academic success of students at Lakeland Elementary Middle School.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.