Who We Are

ABOUT US-SQUARED

A justice-centered research institute protecting the brilliance of young people through programs, research, and systems that hold them.

Our Mission

THE SIGNAL. THE FIRE.

US-Squared Research Institute exists to protect the brilliance of adolescents — especially Black and Brown young people — by building the justice-centered programs, tools, and systems that ensure they don't have to choose between being themselves and being safe.

We believe that brilliance is not earned through suffering — it is inherent. And we believe that organizations, educators, and communities have a responsibility to build the infrastructure that allows that brilliance to flourish.

Our work is grounded in peer-reviewed research, community accountability, and a relentless commitment to the young people who deserve better than what they've been given.

Leadership

WHO LEADS US

Dr. Erica L. Tartt, PhD

Dr. Erica L. Tartt, PhD

Founder & Research Director

Dr. Tartt is a developmental psychologist and equity researcher whose dissertation — Unraveling Hopelessness — analyzed CDC data from 7,000+ Black adolescents to identify distinct mental health profiles and challenge deficit-based frameworks in youth research.

She earned her PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2023 with a 3.98 GPA. Her work sits at the intersection of quantitative methods, racial equity, and community-based practice.

Dr. Tartt founded US-Squared Research Institute to translate research into programs that actually reach young people — and to build the organizational infrastructure that community-based leaders deserve.

UCSB · PhD 2023GPA 3.9820+ Years in EducationDevelopmental Psychology
Organization

BY THE NUMBERS

EIN
92-3221304
Status
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Founded
2020
Location
Canal Winchester, OH

51 E Hocking St · Canal Winchester, OH 43110 · info@us-squared.org

Support

OUR PARTNERS & FUNDERS

Coming Soon

Partner and funder logos will appear here. Interested in supporting our work? Get in touch.