Researchers are testing a new program called Strong Teens for Healthy Schools that gives middle school students the power to make their schools healthier places. The program teaches students about good nutrition and exercise, then lets them lead projects to improve their school’s food and activity options. Scientists will study 20 schools with mostly Black, Hispanic, and Latino students to see if this student-led approach helps reduce health problems like obesity and diabetes, while also helping young people develop leadership skills. The study will track students over a full year to measure changes in their health and well-being.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a program that trains middle school students to be health leaders can help reduce obesity-related health risks and improve their school environments
- Who participated: About 400-500 middle school students (20-25 per school) from 20 different schools where most students are Black, Hispanic, or Latino
- Key finding: This is a pilot study still being conducted, so final results aren’t available yet. Researchers are measuring whether student-led health projects can create real changes in school food and activity options
- What it means for you: If successful, this approach could show that giving young people leadership roles in health improvement is more effective than just telling them what to do. This is still early-stage research, so we’ll need to wait for the results to know if it actually works
The Research Details
This is a pilot study, which means it’s a small test run before doing a bigger study. Researchers randomly divided 20 schools into two groups. One group of schools started the Strong Teens for Healthy Schools program right away, while the other group waited a year to start. This waiting group helps researchers see if changes happen because of the program or just because time passes. The program includes 16 learning modules where students learn about nutrition, exercise, and how to be civic leaders—people who work to improve their communities. Students then use what they learned to create projects that make their schools healthier, like improving cafeteria options or creating new activity clubs.
Most health programs for young people just teach information and hope students will change their habits. This program is different because it gives students real power to change their school environment. Since kids spend so much time at school, and school food and activity options strongly influence their choices, having students lead the change could be more powerful than adult-led programs. This approach also teaches important life skills like leadership and community involvement.
This is a well-designed study because it uses random assignment of schools (like flipping a coin to decide which schools get the program first), which helps prove the program actually causes changes rather than changes just happening by chance. The study measures students at four different time points over a year, which shows whether benefits last. The researchers are also looking at how students perceive their peers’ health behaviors and using student photography projects to understand school environments. However, this is a pilot study with only 20 schools, so results may not apply to all schools everywhere.
What the Results Show
This study is still ongoing, so final results haven’t been published yet. The researchers are currently measuring whether students in the Strong Teens for Healthy Schools program show improvements in metabolic syndrome risk factors—basically, health markers like weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol that predict future disease risk. They’re also tracking whether the program helps students develop better leadership skills and more positive attitudes about health. The study design allows them to compare students who participated in the program with students who haven’t started it yet, which will show if the program actually makes a difference.
Beyond the main health measurements, researchers are also looking at whether students’ perceptions of their friends’ health behaviors change. They’re using a creative method called photovoice, where students take pictures of their school environment to show what supports or blocks healthy choices. This helps researchers understand not just whether students are healthier, but why—what specific changes in the school environment actually matter to students.
Most previous school health programs focus on teaching individual students or changing what adults do. This program is unique because it puts students in charge of making changes. Some research shows that when young people have real decision-making power, they’re more motivated and create more lasting change. However, there aren’t many studies testing whether student-led environmental change works better than traditional approaches, so this research fills an important gap.
This is a pilot study, which means it’s smaller and more limited than a full-scale study. With only 20 schools, results may not apply to all types of schools or communities. The study focuses on schools where most students are Black, Hispanic, or Latino, which is good for understanding these specific communities but means we can’t automatically assume results would be the same in other communities. The study is still running, so we don’t have final results yet. Also, students who volunteer for the program might be different from other students in ways that affect results.
The Bottom Line
This research is still in progress, so we can’t make firm recommendations yet. However, the approach is promising based on what we know about how young people learn and change. Schools interested in health improvement may want to consider programs that give students real leadership roles, as this appears to be more engaging than traditional health education. Wait for final results before making major program decisions based on this study.
Middle schools, especially those serving mostly Black, Hispanic, and Latino students, should pay attention to this research. School administrators, health teachers, and student leaders should follow the results. Parents of middle school students may also find this interesting as it shows a new approach to school health. This research is less relevant for elementary schools or high schools, though similar approaches might work for those age groups.
The study is measuring changes over a full school year, with check-ins at four different times. Based on the study design, researchers expect to see some changes within a few months of the program starting, with bigger changes by the end of the school year. However, some benefits—like improved school environments that support healthy choices—may take longer to develop. Final results should be available in 2025-2026.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly physical activity minutes and daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Also track one leadership or civic action taken each week (like suggesting a healthy option in the cafeteria or inviting a friend to be active). This captures both personal health changes and the student-led change aspect of the program.
- Use the app to set and track a specific school health improvement project. For example: ‘This week, I will propose adding a water fountain near the gym’ or ‘I will organize a lunchtime walking group.’ This keeps the focus on student agency and environmental change, not just personal behavior.
- Create a dashboard showing personal health metrics (activity, nutrition) alongside community impact metrics (number of peers engaged, environmental changes proposed or implemented). This dual-tracking reinforces that individual health and school environment are connected. Review progress monthly to celebrate wins and adjust projects as needed.
This research is a pilot study still in progress, and final results are not yet available. The findings described are based on the study protocol, not completed results. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from healthcare providers. Parents and school administrators should consult with health professionals before implementing new health programs. Individual results may vary based on many factors including age, existing health conditions, and family circumstances. If you have concerns about a young person’s health, please speak with their doctor or school health professional.