As we now prepare to enter our 40th year in operation, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of a new chapter in our history with the launch of Bartlett Labs, the SALT Center’s new research division, made possible through a transformational gift of $8 million by long-time friends of the program, Bruce and Patricia Bartlett.

The Bartletts’ relationship with the SALT Center began in 2004 when their son, Ben, was a student in the program who, with time, developed into a confident and accomplished student and professional. Since then, the Bartletts have been committed champions of the SALT Center, making significant donations toward scholarships, health and wellness programs, the 2016 building renovation and expansion, as well as other impactful contributions to advance student success and research across campus.

As part of a top-tier, world-class research university, the SALT Center is uniquely positioned to successfully operate a scientifically rigorous research unit, and thanks to Bruce and Patricia Bartlett’s gift we can now make it a reality.

Bartlett Labs will prioritize applied research and assessment, and contribute to the collective knowledge about college students who learn differently all while providing us with valuable data to help us tell our story and strengthen our services. The assessment function will focus on monitoring trends in enrollment and service usage and evaluating the learning outcomes associated with our program. Bartlett Labs will also facilitate the adoption of research verified practices into the SALT Center core model as we pilot and evaluate new services.

In addition, Bartlett Labs will engage with instructors and researchers at the University of Arizona and institutions around the world to collaborate on projects that advance learning and college success for this population of students. Planned projects will explore the transition into college, degree completion in STEM fields, and career readiness and the transition out of college. We are fortunate to have established a relationship with the University of Macerata in Italy, and we are hosting a visiting scholar from that institution during the fall 2019 semester. We look forward to new partnerships and projects as Bartlett Labs grow over the years.