Washington, D.C.– The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the University of Arizona a five-year, $660,000 grant to strengthen the school’s outreach program for at-risk children, youth and families. The money comes through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and will be given to the University’s Strengthening Families Program.

NIFA’s Sustainable Communities Project focuses on Americans, especially young people, at risk for miscarriages, poor health and nutrition, abuse, crime, teen pregnancy and poor performance in school. The university’s affiliated program teaches effective parenting skills to reduce problem behaviors, improve social competency and strengthen parents’ relationships with their children.

“The University is doing timely and underappreciated work in this field, and I congratulate the program for receiving these funds,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of the award. “The value of social research and the importance of teaching these skills to the community should never be underestimated. These funds are going to mean a healthier, more positive and successful Southern Arizona, and I thank the University for reaching out to provide these resources to the people of the Seventh District.”

For more information, contact the University’s School of Family and Consumer Sciences at (520) 621-1075.