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One of the several distinguishing elements in Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships is its focus on diverse and creative partnerships. They range from schools and after-school programs, to hospitals, government agencies, universities, among others, all working together to change social and cultural norms that influence 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and their families.

Each site will work with 6th to 8th grade youth in and out of schools, while utilizing older teens as mentors. Partners will engage and train a range of youth influencers, including older teens, teachers, coaches, and parents among others. Sites will endeavor to address and change policies that reinforce healthy relationships within schools, youth settings, and the larger community. They will also utilize cutting edge social marketing and new media and technology strategies to impact youth, families and influencers in their communities and promote positive relationship behaviors. Importantly, in each of these 11 sites, teens will play a role in designing and implementing program activities.

Another distinctive feature of the Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships program is its research and evaluation element. As part of the funding, 2.2 million dollars are directed to determine what factors and program components will have the greatest impact and offer replicable solutions. This research will help sites determine what is most effective, what can be replicated and what can be sustained. RTI International, based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, will manage the research and evaluation process.

About Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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