"John W. Gardner’s work and his vision were always about equality, justice, and the promise of human potential.
He saw what so many people see as society’s insoluble problems as breathtaking opportunities.
His vision for young people’s role in communities will live on through the work of the John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities."
~ Milbrey McLaughlin, Founding Faculty Director
Stanford’s Gardner Center conducts rigorous, actionable research in partnership with school districts, nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies.
Our goal is to develop research-informed, practical solutions that advance equity for young people and their communities; help our partners understand how research can support their missions and how to conduct their own; and inform policies and practices at the local, state, and national levels.
Our vision — and that of our founders — is one of healthy communities that support the growth, development, and vitality of all young people, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Study shows significant benefits when mental health clinicians and police officers respond to 911 calls
Researchers from Stanford's Gardner Center spent two years studying a co-responder pilot program in San Mateo County, finding meaningful reductions in involuntary psychiatric detentions
The Shinnyo Community Impact Fellowship
A decade of promoting peace through service
Unique fellowship introduces new grads to public service through hands-on community work, community-engaged research, and a personal path of purpose and peace
Remember what it was like to be a freshman in high school?
An expert panel tackles how a sense of belonging plays a critical role as students navigate the transition from middle school to high school.
Hosted by the Gardner Center, the event stemmed from a grant through Stanford’s Office of Community Engagement to study the middle school to high school transition process.
Creating School Environments that Foster a Sense of Belonging
How can schools create spaces in which youth of all backgrounds can thrive academically and socio-emotionally? Researcher Sebastian Castrechini shares what he's learned from in-depth studies of a diverse school district and its debate league.
Preparing All Students for Bright Futures
Not all teens thrive in traditional high school environments, so alternative high schools like San Andreas in San Bernardino have developed innovative ways to support students to succeed academically and prepare for college and careers.
New Data Sheds Light on California Alternative Schools
The Gardner Center has released the first publicly available data on alternative schools and youth in more than a decade, revealing that over 11 percent of California's students are enrolled in these high schools statewide and the kinds of schools that are succeeding in serving this population.
Our history
Established in 2000 by civic leader and Stanford lecturer John W. Gardner (1912–2002) and faculty member Milbrey McLaughlin, the Gardner Center sits within the Stanford Graduate School of Education. The center’s founders pioneered the concept of community-engaged research as a way to advance research, policies, programs, and practices that support vulnerable youth. We continue that work today.