Preventing youth violence by better delivering proven programs to middle schools
Official title: Preventing youth interpersonal violence through improved implementation of wide-reaching, efficacious programs.
Funded at New York University · NIH-11584595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study in middle schools will test practical ways to help teachers implement a well-known social-emotional learning program so it reaches students as intended.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | September 29, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| Award (this year) | $399,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CE003884-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11584595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are middle schools serving diverse student populations where programs like Second Step are being used or considered.
✕Less likely to help
Schools not implementing the program or lacking resources may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how to roll out a proven violence-prevention program to many middle schools so students benefit. It will test three supports for schools: a planning tool for leaders, gentle prompts for teachers, and a plan to prioritize lessons. The goal is to help teachers deliver the program with the dose needed to reduce bullying, aggression, and dating violence and improve safety and mental well-being for students. Results will show which supports most effectively increase faithful implementation and positive student outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, schools could implement these supports to reach more students with impactful lessons that reduce violence and improve mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed the program can reduce aggression and violence, but scaling to reach all students requires better implementation strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhoades, Kimberly a — New York University
- Study coordinator: Rhoades, Kimberly a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
Healthy Communities for Youth: Preventing Youth Violence in Richmond and Beyond
A community-centered program to reduce youth violence in Richmond, VA and similar communities by pairing youth voices, hospital-based support, and capacity-building for local groups.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Center for Youth Equity: A Community Path to Prevent Youth Violence
A Tulane-led effort partners with communities to reduce youth violence by addressing racism, strengthening local youth voices, and building sustainable prevention strategies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.