Researcher: Melissa A. Koenig (Institute of Child Development, College of Education and Human Development)

In our research, we investigate the nature of children’s trust in other people, and the role that trust plays in children’s learning and socio-emotional well-being. We study trust as an important mechanism of interpersonal connection and learning, one that varies from child to child, and from relationship to relationship. If successful, support from the Faculty Interactive Research Program would provide funding for the research support and the teacher, staff and parent compensation that is required to launch the project described in our letter. Ascension Catholic School (ACS) is the community partner for this project, an elementary school serving over 500 scholars in North Minneapolis, 95% of whom are students of color.