Jamie Wu

Background

About Jamie Wu

I conduct statewide evaluation to examine the access, quality and impacts of government funded educational programs in Michigan. The study sample includes more than 200 out-of-school time programs for disadvantaged youth (21st Century Community Learning Centers), preschool classrooms serving eligible 4-year-olds (Great Start Readiness Program) and 4 regional efforts to test out a public preschool model for 3-year-olds (Strong Beginnings). In 2022, I have received a new grant to implement the Childcare Services Mapping project, which is part of Governor Whitmer's Caring for MI Future Plan to help more Michigan families find quality, affordable childcare in their community. In addition to conducting large-scale, statewide evaluation, my research line also includes youth voice, youth leadership development and youth-adult partnership. I'm a member of key coalitions and collaboratives that aim to strengthen Michigan's out-of-school time and early childhood networks. In 2018, I was recognized by the National Afterschool Association as one of the most influential people in afterschool research and evaluation.