About PROSPER

What is PROSPER?

PROSPER (PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience) is a scientifically proven model for delivering high quality, universal evidence-based programs. The PROSPER model is a strong partnership between Penn State University, local PROSPER teams, university specialists and researchers. PROSPER teams are the “heart and soul” of PROSPER. Penn State Extension educators lead PROSPER teams made up of public school staff, community agency partners, volunteers, parents and youth. PROSPER teams plan, recruit for, implement, evaluate and sustain prevention programs for youth and families in their communities.

How does PROSPER work?

The PROSPER model achieves success in delivering effective prevention programs by using a three-tiered partnership, local PROSPER teams, evidence-based programs, a phased developmental process to achieve sustainability, and evaluation and monitoring to support effective program delivery. The three-tiered partnership includes the state team, prevention coordinators, and local teams led by team leaders. The PROSPER model is a partnership model that connects local teams with prevention coordinators and the PA state team. Local teams, with the support and technical assistance provided by the prevention coordinators, lead family-based and school-based prevention program efforts on the ground in their communities.

The three-tiered partnership includes the state team, prevention coordinators, and local teams led by team leaders.

The PROSPER model is a partnership model that connects local teams with prevention coordinators and the PA state team. Local teams, with the support and technical assistance provided by the prevention coordinators, lead family-based and school-based prevention program efforts on the ground in their communities.

Local PROSPER teams strategically include community representatives from schools and stakeholder groups.

Local teams – the “heart and soul” of PROSPER – deliver, sustain, and grow quality programs in their communities. Committed to working on long-term prevention efforts, local teams are working groups with members who are active in all phases of implementation of prevention programs. Led by a County Penn State Extension educator, teams include a school co-leader, volunteers such as substance abuse agency representatives, parents and youth, and individuals from government, business, and faith communities. Each PROSPER team is unique and reflects the local community.

Evidence-based programs for substance use prevention are delivered to youth in schools and their families outside of school.

PROSPER’s ultimate goal is to help youth and their families gain the skills they need to protect against negative influences and prevent adolescent substance use and other problem behaviors. Central to this goal is the implementation of evidence-based programs – programs that are scientifically proven to work – to youth and families. Through the PROSPER delivery system, these programs are delivered in two settings: to middle school kids during the school day and to families outside of the school day. These family-based and school-based programs are delivered by local PROSPER team members with high quality and consistent support.

PROSPER’s phased developmental process supports communities in their efforts toward sustainability.

Within 1 year, 100% of PROSPER teams have obtained local funding to support their efforts. These funds come from a variety of sources ranging from local organizations to fundraising. This first step toward long-term program sustainability of local PROSPER teams is due, in part, by the expertise that is provided by prevention coordinators and the state team. PROSPER’s approach gives teams the tools they need to sustain their team and its programming in the community.

Evaluation and monitoring by the state PROSPER team provides insights to tailor technical assistance and support program delivery.

PROSPER uses data to make decisions about changes to improve the impact of PROSPER on its communities. If local teams experience challenges around meeting the goals of PROSPER, the quality of the PROSPER system, or the programs it delivers to youth and families, the state and local teams work together to make the appropriate changes that are specific to that community’s needs.

How does PROSPER support families?

The PROSPER model offers an effective way to reach families and provide important resources and skill building programs for parents/caregivers and their kids. Currently, PROSPER offers one family-based program, the Strengthening Families Program: for Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14).

How does PROSPER support kids?

The PROSPER model offers an effective way to reach youth through their schools in order to provide them with important skills that help them navigate the challenges they will experience during adolescence. Currently, PROSPER offers one school-based program, Botvin’s LifeSkills Training (LST).