Jonathan F. Zaff, Ph.D. is a Research Professor in Applied Human Development at the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, and the Director of the CERES Institute for Children and Youth. The CERES Institute exists to drive positive educational and life conditions for children and youth, especially those in historically disenfranchised communities, so that they may emerge from childhood as thriving adults.

To accomplish this, we conduct, evaluate, support, and promote community-engaged, applied research on positive educational and developmental ecosystems for today’s children and youth. We are intentional about presenting insights that are clear and actionable. And, we are passionate about informing, influencing, and inspiring those who have the courage and the power to act: public leaders, influencers, educators, and parents.

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 Center, the research institute of America’s Promise Alliance, also housed within BU Wheelock, develops a deep knowledge and understanding about what is needed to help create the conditions so that all young people in America have the opportunity to succeed in school and life.

Using a positive youth development framework, Dr. Zaff’s research has included studies, among others, 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.

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