Partnering to serve underserved youth

The proportion of adolescents classified as overweight has almost tripled over the past 30 years. Nearly 20% of American youth are overweight/obese, with minority and low-income children experiencing greater risk. Project Healthy Schools (PHS) a community-University of Michigan collaborative provides middle-school-based programming to reduce childhood obesity and long-term health risks. Since 2004, more than 5340 sixth graders have participated, 1324 in research. Realizing the need to reach students in high risk areas where obesity is prevalent and resources to change the environment are scarce, PHS formed a partnership with AmeriCorps expanding the program's reach into Detroit, MI. AmeriCorps staff provide PHS for students in two Detroit charter schools (average 75% free/reduced lunches). PHS staff provide supervision/training through weekly onsite visits and daily electronic support. PHS includes 10 hands-on activities, motivational assemblies, incentives rewarding behavior change, cafeteria and policy changes, and communication campaigns. Farm-to-School has been implemented through partnerships with local farmers and Greening of Detroit. Vegetables and fruits for students come from both Detroit's Eastern Market and local university farmer's market. Land for school gardens has also been selected. Students complete the PHS pre and post survey measuring behavior change reflecting program goals. Expected outcomes include student survey data repeating trends of previous 5 years: evidence of adoption of healthier lifestyles, participants increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and time spent exercising, and favorable changes in cardiovascular risk factors. Replication of previous program findings will support a new model of delivery enabling further program expansion to underserved populations with modest resources.