People

Borden's research and discovery endeavors to better understand the relationships young people have in various contexts and how those relationships affect their overall development. More specifically, her work focuses on community-based programs and the role of these organizations in promoting the positive development of young people and their families. Working in partnership with community-based programs, Borden’s research helps organizations enhance their ability to better meet the needs of those they serve with data that allows them to make programmatic and policy changes.

Borden’s research center, the Center for Research and Outreach (REACH), is an innovative center with the mission to provide high-quality, accessible research, outreach, and evaluation that builds the capacity of individuals and systems serving children, youth, and families. Research projects include: Military REACH: A collaboration with the United States Department of Defense’s Office of Family Policy, Military REACH uses a multi-disciplinary approach to integrate both research and outreach to support those who work with and on behalf of military families. Military REACH: (1) provides empirical research that identifies and addresses key issues impacting military families and the programs that serve them; (2) offers outreach and professional development through online resources; and (3) hosts a Live Learning Lab for program staff seeking constructive professional development feedback.

Children, Youth, and Families at Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance Center (CYFAR PDTA): CYFAR PDTA forms a comprehensive foundation to support the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Initiative at the United States Department of Agriculture – National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Developing and providing proactive technical assistance, resources, evaluation support, and tools, the CYFAR PDTA builds the capacity of 43 CYFAR grantees throughout the United States and outlying territories to increase the overall positive impact of their initiatives. The project provides the needed resources for high-quality implementation of CYFAR community programs using research-based methods that include individual program process and outcome evaluation. The CYFAR PDTA project addresses capacity building, outreach, and impact using a three-pronged approach: (1) the use of research and evidence-based information to inform the work; (2) broad leadership representation from across the Land Grant University System (1860’s, 1890’s, 1992’s, 1994’s, and Hispanic Serving Institutions); and (3) subject matter experts who can address key areas relevant to the CYFAR Initiative.