A school-community partnership for at-risk students in Pennsylvania

This four-year, school-community health improvement project addressed fragm entation and under-utilization of services of an at risk population in a co unty in central Pennsylvania. A population profile was developed that inclu ded demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral information as well as informa tion related to liabilities and assets that affect resiliency and decrease or increase the likelihood of academic success. The profile was used in the planning and implementation of risk-reduction strategies that promote a he althy family and in turn, a healthy community. More than 50 local, state, a nd national organizations as well as individuals volunteered or provided se rvices at each school. The project produced a 22% increase in parental invo lvement in school activities; a 15% increase in parental involvement in edu cational sessions; a 22% increase in volunteers within the school; and a 75 % decrease in truancy.