Preventing Youth Violence by Building Supportive Communities
Official title: Preventing Youth Violence Through Building Supportive Communities: An Evaluation of a Multisystemic Intervention
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11413434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A community-based program in middle schools aims to reduce violence and suicide among African American youth by creating a more positive school climate and engaging families and communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD017477-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Middle school students (roughly ages 11–15) in communities with high violence and health disparities, particularly African American students in low-income areas.
✕Less likely to help
Students in communities with low violence exposure or where the intervention is not adopted may see little to no impact.
What this research studies
This project tests a culturally tailored, school-wide approach that combines a positive behavior framework with community-informed practices. It uses four communities and a staggered start design to see if the intervention lowers violence and self-harm among middle school students. Researchers will use school records and surveys from students and staff to understand changes over time. The focus is on African American youth in low-income areas and will involve coordination with schools, police, and families to sustain safer environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lead to safer schools and lower rates of violence and suicide among vulnerable youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar school-climate approaches have shown promise, but this study emphasizes culturally responsive tailoring and community engagement for African American youth.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Jason — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Chow, Jason
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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.