The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools reached a major milestone in 2024: two decades of research, collaboration and impact.
As the center enters its third decade, CYFS faculty, staff, students and research affiliates remain focused on making a positive difference for Nebraskans at every stage of life, through social, behavioral and educational research.
The center’s newest breakthrough is the Signature Research Impact Program (SRIP). Launched in conjunction with the center’s 20th anniversary and made possible through private donations through the University of Nebraska Foundation, this program supports high-impact research that tackles critical issues affecting Nebraska’s children, youth, families, schools and communities.
The CYFS annual report for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which spanned July 2024 to June 2025, is now available.
This year’s report features studies designed to reduce bullying in schools across two continents; address a growing shortage of K-12 computer science teachers; support healthy eating habits among young children to prevent obesity and improve nutrition; enhance communication among parents and their autistic children; and evaluate and broaden an innovative, community-led breastmilk sharing program.
Also highlighted is the inaugural SRIP project — enhancing communication among children with autism and their parents and siblings — and other life-changing research conducted in partnership with the center.
The report also shares key impacts and achievements from the past two decades, as well as significant research programs with a proven track record of improving outcomes for participants.
View this year’s annual report: Interactive | PDF