The work carried out at the Cowen Institute has been broadly categorized into four areas:

Applied Research: informing the transformation of public education by understanding how systems of public schools can be successful, learning how to measure their performance, and chronicling the transformation of public schools in New Orleans.

Public Policy: identifying, evaluating, and advancing educational policy and legislation that addresses the needs of public schools and students. Our work in this area ensures the success of every public school in the city by advocating for adequate and equitable funding, safe facilities, an effective governance model, and accountability of people and schools.

University-Based Initiatives : developing, launching, and supporting programs that engage the Tulane University community in public education. We also serve as the conduit for charter and traditional public schools in New Orleans to directly access the myriad of experts and resources available at Tulane University.

College Readiness Programs: developing, launching, and supporting math and science programs that have proven to increase college readiness in local public high schools.