Pilot of a broad public health model and partnership to support rural pennsylvania families and youth and family educators

Federal Grant Award Summary

The Pennsylvania State University received a $350,000 Project Grant from the National Institute of Youth, Family, and Community under the Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program (CFDA 10.516) awarded September 15, 2025, with a completion date of September 14, 2028. The project, titled "Pilot of a Broad Public Health Model and Partnership to Support Rural Pennsylvania Families and Youth and Family Educators," will be based at Penn State's State College, PA campus. This award supports the development and implementation of community-based outreach education initiatives designed to improve health and well-being outcomes in rural Pennsylvania communities.

The project will deliver evidence-based health education programming and training to families, youth, and family educators in targeted rural Pennsylvania counties. As a 1862 Land Grant institution, Penn State will leverage its cooperative extension and human science outreach capabilities to provide health information, promote personal health responsibility, and train volunteers and health service providers. The three-year initiative represents a pilot effort to test a comprehensive public health model and formalize partnerships that strengthen health education delivery systems serving rural families and educational professionals across the state.