Kaj Althaus

Kaj Althaus is a Michigan Data and Policy Fellow with the Youth Policy Lab, a joint initiative of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the Institute for Social Research. As a fellow, he will be placed at the Michigan State Court Administrators Office (SCAO), focusing on strategic improvements to the Michigan Juvenile Justice system.

Kaj is a research professional interested in youth development and how we can use data and public policy to create better and more equitable life outcomes for those involved in the juvenile justice system. In past roles, he has been an educator with City Year Americorps, a data and policy analyst with the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, and, most recently, a community development specialist with Challenge Detroit and the Live6 Alliance. 

Kaj holds a Master of Public Policy from the Pennsylvania State University with a focus on criminal justice policy and a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from the University of Michigan. In his spare time, he is a passionate musician who loves to sing and play guitar with his band. He also sits on the Michigan Committee of Juvenile Justice as a youth member.