Roadmap for Effective School-Based Practices to Support Expectant and Parenting Youth: Lessons from the New Heights Program in Washington, DC

This study explores the program elements and practices that, when used together, improved academic outcomes for New Heights participants and define a possible roadmap for service providers interested in replicating the program ’s success.MethodsThe study team collected data through site visits, key informant interviews, staff surveys, program observations, case files, and program materials.ResultsThe core design and implementation elements of the New Heights program are (1) placing a trained staff member in the school to provide advocacy, case management, education, and in-kind incentives; (2) bringing community-based service providers into the school; (3) giving trained staff autonomy and a strong grounding in local context; and (4) using a highly collaborative process to hire and support school-based coordinators.DiscussionStaff and funders interested in improving outcomes for young parents in school could use the experience of New Heights and the key practices that were critical to its success as a guide: (1) ensure that the program is well defined but can be tailored to the needs of schools and students, (2) engage community partners to bring services to participants, (3) hire and train the right staff who are committed to “do whatever it takes,” (4) actively cultivate a culture of collaboration among program staff, and (5) develop buy-in with school staff and illustrate program value.
Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal - Category: Health Management Source Type: research