Dr. Jonathan F. Zaff is a research professor in applied human development at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. He is also director of the CERES Institute for Children and Youth, which conducts, evaluates, supports, and promotes community-engaged, applied research on positive educational and developmental ecosystems for today’s children and youth.

Using a positive youth development framework, Dr. Zaff’s research has included studies of youth-focused comprehensive community initiatives, civic engagement, and the social and emotional competencies of young people who have left high school without graduating. Over the past few years, his projects have focused on the role that multiple relationships in a young person’s life (a “web of support”) and the multiple institutions within which they learn and grow can encourage their academic, vocational, and civic engagement and success, particularly those young people who are off track in school and life.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Zaff was the founding executive director of the Center for Promise and on the leadership team for America’s Promise Alliance. The results of his work have appeared in more than 80 peer-reviewed journals and books, and practitioner- and policy-focused reports. He has also presented at numerous local, national, and international conferences and conducted trainings with practitioners and policy advocates.

Appointments

Director, CERES Institute for Children & Youth
Research Professor, Applied Human Development

Recent News

• New CERES Institute Study to Explore Pandemic School Attendance

• Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Funds Boston Debate League Partnership with the CERES Institute and the Henderson Inclusion School

• CERES Institute Launches Study of School Choice Scholarships’ For Families of Students with Disabilities in Florida

• Youth in Poverty Six Times More Likely to Experience Detrimental Levels of Adversity Than Higher-Income Peers

• Youth in Five Cities Cite Fear as Major Barrier to Wellness