Advancing character education and Positive Youth Development in organizations that serve youth, families, and communities.

The Research and Program Design Center of

  • The Character Impact Lab was created by Statement House to advance evidence-informed practice in youth development.

  • Our work brings together Positive Youth Development, character education and program and evaluation design to help organizations build strong, measurable program foundations.

  • Each partnership produces practical tools—clear models, shared language, and data systems that support learning and improvement.

About the lab

Character in Action: A Starter Guide for Youth Development Organizations

Coming Soon!

Our work

  • Program & Framework Development

    We help organizations define their approach to character—what it means, how it’s practiced, and how it grows across experiences.

  • Outcomes & Assessment Design

    We design developmentally aligned measures that show growth in skills, mindsets, and relationships.

  • Standards & Practice Guides

    We translate research-based principles into clear, everyday practices for staff, mentors, and youth.

  • Staff Training & Capacity Building

    We strengthen teams through coaching, training, and implementation support that sustain high-quality character work.

Select Partners

  • “Dr. Rollins was amazing to work with! She provided much needed thought partnership as the project hit some unexpected bumps and curves, helping us work through different shifts and strategies for how we could continue to learn and make the most of the project despite the challenges. Her team produced a tremendous report full of insights and recommendations that will help Playworks deepen our work in the youth development field for years to come.”

    Jennette Claassen
    National Director of Evaluation, Playworks

  • “Cristin is creative, wonderful to work with, and committed to excellence. Her knowledge of, commitment to, and leadership within, youth development guides her good work. In addition to all this, she's a joyful collaborator!”

    Pat Driscoll
    Former Chief Operating Officer, Girls Inc.

  • “Dr. Rollins approaches her work as a critical friend so beautifully and so consistently. With empathy and thoughtfulness, and always in the spirit of the work, she pays attention to how what we are working on may have implications for other things that we might not be thinking of as well.”

    Omar Guessous
    National Director of Data & Insights, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

  • “[The Character Lab team] worked alongside AMIkids, Inc. to refresh our service delivery model with the latest PYD research to ensure its relevancy to today's youth, doing a tremendous job being a true thought partner and learning our organization to suggest the most effective way for change management. We look forward to a continued partnership and recommend Dr. Rollins to anyone looking for a subject matter expert who can take your organization to the next level, while honoring youth voice!”

    Dr. Jessica Mitchell
    Sr. Director of Data, Research, and Strategic Initiatives, AMIkids, Inc.

  • “Thank you for bringing your expertise and heart to a process that could help change the trajectory for so many... It has been a delight to work alongside all of you!”

    Margaret Mitchell
    CEO, YWCA USA

  • “I’m confident our organization will be equipped with a stronger outcomes measurement strategy because of their quick ability to get to the root challenge, invaluable knowledge and experience of what works, and an unmatched attention to detail.”

    Shawna Rosenzweig
    CEO, Camp Fire

Let’s Work together

The Character Impact Lab collaborates with organizations ready to invest in clarity, quality, and measurable impact. We’d love to learn about your programs and explore how a character framework can strengthen your results.

Book a Conversation