What Works in Schools

CDC’s school-based program that prevents adolescent health risks

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.
Teacher standing in a library and speaking with students seated at library tables.

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

Three students sitting around a table and talking.
Overview
What Works in Schools program improves student health behaviors and experiences.
A male teacher in front of a class of students who are raising their hands.
Quality Health Education
Health education is effective at addressing adolescent behaviors and experiences.
High school students taking parting talking in the group discussion about sexual health education.
Sexual Health Education
Good health education helps youth know how to stay healthy and prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
A school nurse checking a female student.
Health Services
Learn more about the What Works in Schools program initiative for better health services.
A group of high school students hanging out together.
Sexual Health Services
Schools play a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of sexual health services.
A male and female students sitting and talking outside school building.
Safe and Supportive School Environments
Safe and supportive school environments encourage students to be more engaged in their school life.
A male teacher taking selfie with a group of multi racial high school students in front of classroom.
What Works in Schools Makes a Difference
What Works in Schools initiative can reverse negative trends in student physical and mental health.
Laptop and glowing light bulb. Self learning or education knowledge concept for research.
Research and Results
Research articles on What Works in Schools show reduced adolescent-related health risk behaviors.
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