Research & Impact

THE DATA BEHIND THE WORK.

US-Squared programs are built on peer-reviewed research, longitudinal data, and the lived experiences of the 7,000+ young people whose stories shaped our framework.

Publications

PEER-REVIEWED WORK

Journal Article · In Press

Latent Transition Analysis of Adolescent Racial Discrimination and Mental Health Outcomes

Tartt, E. L., Nylund-Gibson, K., et al. (in press). Latent Transition Analysis of adolescent racial discrimination and mental health outcomes. Psychological Methods.

Examines mental health trajectory shifts across 7,000+ Black adolescents using nationally representative CDC data.

Doctoral Dissertation · 2023

Unraveling Hopelessness: A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Profiles Among Black Adolescents

Tartt, E. L. (2023). Unraveling Hopelessness: A latent class analysis of mental health profiles among Black adolescents. University of California, Santa Barbara. GPA: 3.98.

Identified four distinct mental health profiles among Black youth, challenging deficit-based narratives and informing the BASE framework.

The Framework

THE BASE FRAMEWORK

Four principles derived from dissertation research and 20+ years of educational practice. BASE is the conceptual spine running through every US-Squared program.

Brilliance

Every young person arrives with a form of genius. Our programs are designed to surface, name, and build on that brilliance — not remediate deficits.

Authenticity

Youth are most engaged and resilient when allowed to show up as their full selves. Authenticity is not a soft skill — it is a developmental necessity.

Self-Expression

Art, writing, movement, and voice are not supplements to learning — they are the primary vehicles through which young people process, integrate, and share their experiences.

Empowerment

Programs must transfer agency, not create dependency. Everything we build is designed to make itself unnecessary — because self-determination is the goal.

By The Numbers

OUR IMPACT

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Youth Served
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Peer-Reviewed Studies
Impact Brief

DOWNLOAD THE BRIEF

One-page summary of our research, outcomes, and program data. Ideal for funders, partners, and program evaluators.

Download Impact BriefContact for Partnership