We are proud to spotlight one of our most recent funded research projects in this newsletter: #RelationshipGoals, more commonly known as the #RG Project. The goal of the RG Project is to empower at-risk youth to make healthy decisions by teaching them the benefits associated with self-regulation, healthy relationships, and goal setting, while also teaching them how to resist sexual coercion, dating violence, and other risky behaviors. Dr. Michelle Toews, Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship and Professor, Dr. Elaine Johannes, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, and Dr. Amber Vennum, Associate Professor, are leading the project. The #RG Project is funded through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families. They were awarded $414,302/year for three years (2016-2019). Drs. Toews, Johannes, Vennum, along with 13 undergraduate students, and 7 graduate students involved in the project, worked with approximately 100 7th and 9th graders from Junction City during Year 1 of the project.
In an effort to engage and create first-hand learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students, undergraduate students co-facilitate the program under the direct supervision of the graduate students. A team of undergraduate and graduate students serve on the research team.
Dr. Toews, Dr. Johannes, and Dr. Vennum represent different areas of our School and program and have created a unique collaboration uniting their different interests into a beneficial and innovative project. We are excited to see the continued effect their education of healthy relationships has on the adolescents’ lives and future decision making.