Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) is preparing communities across New York for an innovative system to more effectively deliver research-based programs to prevent substance abuse and risky behavior in young teens.

With a two-year, $60,000 Greater Opportunities (GO) grant from the National Institutes of Health, CCE will adapt the PROSPER (PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) Partnership Model, which pairs CCE systems with public schools to provide a range of interventions for at-risk youth. PROSPER offers proven prevention strategies backed by more than 20 years of NIH-funded research.

"The initial PROSPER/GO funding is a great opportunity to build capacity for community- and school-based family and youth programs that have a track record of success," said Kimberly Kopko, New York state liaison for PROSPER and extension associate in policy analysis and management. "PROSPER/GO aligns closely with the missions of CCE and Human Ecology and will also bring resources for our faculty researchers looking at designing interventions to engage youth."

Cornell joins extension systems in eight other states receiving startup GO grants from the PROSPER Partnership Model, which is based at Iowa State University, with five of the states expected to be chosen to become fully integrated into the PROSPER network in fall 2011.

In studies, the PROSPER model, which is focused at sixth- and seventh-graders and their families, has been shown to reach 17 percent of eligible families, unlike traditional programs that are accessed by only 1-6 percent of eligible families. What's more, PROSPER programs are more cost-effective and more successful at limiting risky behavior in youth for longer periods, studies show.

"By working together, cooperative extension and local schools can connect with many more families than either of us could ever reach on our own," Kopko said. "It's a really effective use of the land-grant system to impact communities across the state."

As Cornell competes to join the PROSPER model, Kopko has issued a survey created by Iowa State researchers to about 400 CCE parenting, family and youth community educators to understand existing resources, opportunities and barriers to building partnerships between the CCE system and local schools. She also meets with stakeholders in Albany at such state agencies as the Department of Education, Department of Health and the Department of Juvenile Justice, and communicates regularly with PROSPER leaders at Iowa State and Pennsylvania State University.

All the data collected will be reported to PROSPER administrators to assess New York's suitability to join the national PROSPER model. If selected, the project could be piloted in several state communities as early as fall 2011.

"PROSPER is focused on engaging youth and strengthening our communities," Kopko said. "When youth are part of the workforce and not in the detention system, when they're not using drugs or alcohol, and when they're staying in school, we all gain from their involvement in our communities and society."

Ted Boscia is assistant director of communications for the College of Human Ecology.