A program to prevent youth violence through community engagement
Forging Hopeful Futures: A Racial and Gender-Justice Program to Reduce Youth Violence
This study is testing a program aimed at preventing youth violence by helping teens in tough neighborhoods learn leadership skills and address issues like economic justice and gender equality.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 720 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Washington, District of Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05743478 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This community-partnered initiative evaluates the effectiveness of the Forging Hopeful Futures program, which targets youth aged 13-19 in neighborhoods affected by structural inequities and high violence rates. The program integrates economic justice, gender-transformative education, and leadership training to address the root causes of youth violence. Conducted in 16 neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, PA, and urban Washington D.C. and Maryland, the study employs a cluster-randomized design to assess the program's impact on adolescent behavior and coping skills.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are youth aged 13-19 who live in or attend schools in the participating neighborhoods.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age requirement, do not speak English, or do not reside in the targeted neighborhoods may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce youth violence and improve coping and communication skills among adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on community-based interventions for youth violence have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must be ages 13-19 (inclusive) 2. Participants must speak English 3. Participants must live in the participating neighborhoods, attend schools in the participating neighborhoods, or use participating facilities 4. Participants must be able to provide follow up contact information Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not ages 13 -19 (inclusive) 2. Do not speak English 3. Do not live in the participating neighborhoods, attend schools in the participating neighborhoods, or use participating facilities 4. Unable to provide follow up contact information
Where this trial is running
Washington, District of Columbia and 1 other locations
- Population Council — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alison Culyba, MD PhD MPH — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Afton Kirk-Johnson, PhD
- Email: kirkjohnsona@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-692-6056
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.