U Connect Tennessee – Summary of Years 1 and 2, 2015-2016

Abstract

U Connect uses a three state model that addresses the critical concerns of middle school aged children in historically vulnerable and marginalized populations. It is a collaboration between three institutions: University of Minnesota, Kentucky State University, andTennessee State University. U Connect is a comprehensive program based on the Check & Connect framework developed at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration with program enhancements from STEM education, nutrition education, and parent engagement. Primary outcomes from U Connect include: 1) Promotion of physical and psychological well-being. Creation of opportunities for youth, families, and community center staff to develop supportive relationships, 2) Demonstration and modeling of positive social norms, and 3) Creation of a safe place of inclusion that supports empowerment and skill building. Young people who participate will improve their pro-social behaviors at school, including attendance, personal behavior, academic performance, and engagement in school and within the after school program. Long term, this will provide youth with what they need to graduate high school, and graduate with sufficient skills for postsecondary education and/or employment. Also, parents will cultivate a home environment conductive for young people’s academic success. This is a summary report from the program's implementation in Tennessee during the first two years of the grant, 2015-2016.