School-based programs: One community organization's effort to increase students' knowledge in science and health as is relates to cardiovascular disease and lifestyle choices

Youth Take Heart (YTH) is a collaborative program between the University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials Research Center, The Hope Heart Institute, and Washington State Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program. YTH incorporates the federal government's Healthy People 2020 Initiative guidelines and was founded on extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health and science education materials used in school classrooms. The goal of the program is to merge heart health information, up-to-date science and research, bioengineering concepts, and hands-on activities to provide engaging experiences for middle school students as well as provide family health and science activities in schools and through partnership with community organizations. Community organizations have willingly partnered with YTH to reach those groups most in need of information. There were 602 student participants in this study, 301 in YTH classrooms and 301 in Control classrooms. Significant differences were found between YTH and the Control group. In evaluation, the YTH program created measurable differences in student learning and heart-healthy perspectives. Specifically, students in YTH classrooms were more knowledgeable about the biology of the heart (i.e., it is made of muscle cells and has four chambers). They also know that complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are required for good health, but refined sugar is not. Finally, they know what bioengineers do – design implants that the body accepts and heals around. It has been shown that the curriculum is sound and significantly increases student learning and positive attitudes toward healthy lifestyles, while also raising awareness about careers in health, medicine, and research.