PROSPER: University-Community-School Intervention

PROSPER (Promoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) is an innovative and research-backed delivery system aimed at reducing risky behaviors among youth, fostering positive development, and strengthening family dynamics. This approach effectively bridges the gap between academic research and community action by forming strategic partnerships and leveraging existing resources.

Key Features of the PROSPER Model:
  1. Collaborative Partnerships:
    • University-based Prevention Scientists: Offer evidence-based methodologies and technical expertise.
    • Cooperative Extension System: Utilizes community knowledge and experience in disseminating educational programs.
    • Public School Systems: Provide access to youth, educators, and community networks.
  2. Community Teams:
    • Small, strategic teams composed of key stakeholders from youth and family service providers within the community.
    • Teams are responsible for implementing one family-focused and one school-focused evidence-based program.
  3. Support Infrastructure:
    • Continuous guidance from program area specialists, university Extension experts, and Iowa State University PROSPER implementation coaches.
    • Emphasis on fidelity to program design to ensure quality and effectiveness.
  4. Sustainability: Built-in systems for ongoing support and adaptation, ensuring programs can thrive long-term in the community.

​Benefits of PROSPER:
  • Reduces substance use and other risky behaviors among youth.
  • Enhances resilience and life skills in young people.
  • Strengthens family connections through evidence-based interventions.
  • Promotes collaboration among schools, communities, and universities to foster a culture of prevention and positive change.

This structured yet flexible framework exemplifies how scientific research can be translated into impactful, scalable, and sustainable community-based programs.
Dr Brendan was involved with the team at Penn State University and Iowa State University that was piloting this research intervention across multiple communities and multiple schools in the United States. Dr Brendan assisted the teams with data entry and program engagement for youth leaders. 
​The photos below are of an event that brought together various stakeholders including the youth in 2004. Dr Brendan was part of the organizing sub-committee.