AMES, Iowa – A program created through the collaboration of Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and ISU’s Partnerships in Prevention Science has been recognized by the National 4-H Headquarters.

The PROSPER Project now is part of the National 4-H Programs of Distinction database (http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm). Programs of Distinction is a searchable Web-based database containing descriptions of high quality youth development programs in communities across the United States.

“This recognition reflects well on the long-running collaboration between ISU Extension and the Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute,” Richard Spoth, director of the institute, said. “It underscores the potential of the community-university partnership model that lies at the center of the PROSPER project.”

PROSPER’s (PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) goals are to reduce rates of youth substance use and other problem behaviors, as well as to foster positive youth development. These goals are accomplished through teaching skills that foster improved family life and parent-child communication, along with providing students with skills for planning, problem-solving and peer resistance against problem behaviors. PROSPER is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Health and is being conducted in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University.

Early results from a large-scale scientific study indicate that

• More than 10,000 eighth and ninth grade students are participating in the study assessments and school-based programs.
• Youth who participated in PROSPER programs report their parents are using improved child management techniques (e.g., effective discipline), as compared to youth not in the program. In addition, youth reported stronger skills, such as refusing to use substances, greater intention to avoid substance use and improved problem solving.
• Most importantly, youth in PROSPER communities are showing significant reduction in use of a range of substances, as compared to youth in control communities. For example, youth in the program show about half the level of marijuana use.

The PROSPER program has been used with thousands of families in 14 Iowa and Pennsylvania communities.

PROSPER’s status as a Program of Distinction also demonstrates the value of the work of Iowa program teams, according to Spoth. These teams are led by Holle Smith in Estherville; Paulelda Gilbert in Fort Dodge; Bev Peters and Janet Brown in Hampton; Matt Deppe and Sara Tessmer in Winterset; Nancy Schmidt, Sue Henderson and Stacie Latham in Ottumwa; Janet Smith in Mount Pleasant; and Bob Owen and Mary Crooks in Muscatine.

“We’re happy that National 4-H has added PROSPER to its national database,” Chuck Morris, director of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development, said. “This added exposure will help communities and their families become aware of this quality youth prevention program.”

For more information, visit the PROSPER project Web site (http://www.prosper.ppsi.iastate.edu) or contact any Iowa State University Extension county office (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ouroffices.htm).

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