At a glance
- What Works in Schools program promotes adolescent health and well-being.
- The program supports health education, connects students to health services, and improves school environments' safety and supportiveness.
- Middle and high schools using the program see improved physical and mental health among students.
Overview
Reversing negative trends
What Works in Schools is a school-based health program. In schools using the program, it has been shown to improve health behaviors and experiences, support mental health, and reduce suicidality. The program works by:
- Improving health education.
- Connecting young people to health services.
- Making school environments safer and more supportive.
Participating schools saw decreases in sexual risk behaviors among students. These schools also saw decreases in students using marijuana, missing school because of safety concerns, and experiencing forced sex.
What Works in Schools can help ensure that youth have the support they need to be healthy and thrive.
Did you know?
Nearly 2 million middle and high school students are served by CDC's What Works in Schools program. The program improves students' mental health and reduces substance use, sexual risk behavior, and experiences of violence.
The programs
What Works in Schools program improves student health behaviors and experiences.
Health education is effective at addressing adolescent behaviors and experiences.
Good health education helps youth know how to stay healthy and prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
Schools offering health care access—for adolescents lacking quality health care—advances health equi...
Schools play a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of sexual health services.
Safe and supportive school environments encourage students to be more engaged in their school life.
What Works in Schools initiative can reverse negative trends in student physical and mental health.
Research articles on What Works in Schools show reduced adolescent-related health risk behaviors.