American Institute for Boys and Men
Boys and men are falling behind in school, work, and health. AIBM turns that research into policy, and states are already acting on it.
Who they are.
The American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges facing boys and men in education, work, and mental health. Alta Futures was proud to be a seed funder, backing AIBM’s research, advocacy, and communications capacity as it worked to bring evidence and rigor to a conversation among researchers and advocates that had previously lacked a unified platform.
Why we believe in the leader.
Richard V. Reeves is a former senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, author of Of Boys and Men, and a father of three boys. After two decades of rigorous research on inequality and social mobility, Richard turned his focus specifically to boys and men. We backed Richard in 2022, right as his book came out, because we were inspired by his conviction, lived experience, and coalition-building instincts. He works with governors and legislators from both parties, and he has built an advisory council that spans researchers, policymakers, and cultural commentators whose perspectives often differ. Richard’s clear, credible leadership has made AIBM a trusted voice in a field.
Why the work got us excited.
The challenges facing boys and men in education, work, and mental health have become increasingly well documented, but the funding, visibility, and infrastructure needed to turn that research into policy have often been lacking. In under two years, the organization has grown from a small team to thirteen staff, and its research has already informed concrete state action, including executive orders in California and Michigan and the placement of a Senior Fellow in the Maryland governor’s office.
“I used to think that ideas were what drove change. I now think that ideas are necessary but not sufficient. I think real change happens when ideas are institutionalized. In other words, when they become part of the fabric of law, norms, and society.”
— Richard Reeves
