Understanding how COVID-19 affects the development of low-income children
Official title: Succumbing, Surviving, and Thriving: The Development of Low-Income Students in the Long Shadow of COVID-19
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11017612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the growth and well-being of low-income and racially diverse children, especially those with special needs, to understand what helps them bounce back and thrive after such tough times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $538,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130705-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017612 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income children, particularly those from racially minoritized backgrounds and those with special needs, aged 0-20 years.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not from low-income or racially minoritized backgrounds may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of low-income and racially minoritized children. It aims to collect extensive data on children's functioning before the pandemic and track their progress through and beyond the disruptions caused by school closures and social isolation. By focusing on diverse samples, including children with special needs, the study seeks to identify protective factors that can aid in recovery and inform future responses to similar crises. The methodology includes longitudinal assessments to capture changes in cognitive, emotional, and social development over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that help improve educational and developmental support for vulnerable children affected by the pandemic.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on the effects of COVID-19 on children, this study's focus on diverse and underrepresented populations is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Anna D. — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Anna D.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.