Research-Informed Programs
Every program we offer is grounded in published findings and refined through direct community engagement.
From Research to Practice
At the I.T.S. Fatherhood Research Center, research and programming exist in continuous dialogue. Our studies generate findings that shape program design; our programs generate community insights that inform future research questions. This feedback loop is what distinguishes evidence-based programming from well-intentioned programming.
Each of our programs is documented, evaluated, and reported — not as a marketing exercise, but as a genuine commitment to knowing whether what we do works, for whom, and under what conditions. We publish our findings whether they confirm our expectations or challenge them.
MetaDad Virtual Mentorship
Structured mentorship grounded in research, delivered through technology
MetaDad pairs experienced fathers with younger and first-time fathers via a structured virtual mentorship platform. The program is informed by longitudinal research on father identity development and the demonstrated impact of peer support on parenting confidence. Each mentorship pairing follows a curriculum developed from our published findings on young father engagement and identity formation.
Documented Outcomes
- —87% reported increased parenting confidence after 12 weeks
- —72% strengthened engagement with their children
- —64% improved employment status during program participation
Evidence Summary
Draws from the 2024 qualitative study on young father identity formation (pub-005) and longitudinal findings on peer support efficacy in fatherhood programming.
The Father's Table
Facilitated community dialogues informed by lived experience and data
The Father's Table hosts recurring facilitated roundtable discussions where fathers, researchers, and practitioners come together to examine fatherhood research topics in depth. Each session is structured around a published research theme, creating a bridge between academic findings and lived community experience. The conversations generate insights that directly inform subsequent research directions and briefs.
Documented Outcomes
- —40+ sessions held in 6 cities since 2022
- —Insights directly informed 3 published research briefs
- —92% of participants rated sessions as highly valuable
Evidence Summary
Developed from 2024 community listening sessions documented in The Father's Voice (pub-007), which identified peer dialogue as the most valued form of fatherhood support.
Co-Parenting Support Circles
Evidence-based workshops for healthier co-parenting relationships
Co-Parenting Support Circles deliver structured workshops covering communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, collaborative decision-making frameworks, and child-centered planning for co-parenting pairs. The 8-week curriculum is grounded in validated co-parenting research and adapted through community input from Father's Table sessions. Sessions are facilitated by trained practitioners using a strength-based, culturally responsive approach.
Documented Outcomes
- —78% reported improved communication after the 8-week series
- —65% developed a written co-parenting plan by program completion
- —Children of participants showed improved school attendance rates
Evidence Summary
Grounded in the 2024 Insight on co-parenting dynamics (pub-004), which identified communication breakdown as the primary driver of disengagement in unmarried households.
Participate in a Program
Our programs are open to fathers, co-parents, practitioners, and community organizations. Learn how to join or bring programming to your community.