Lown Cardiovascular Research Foundation

The success of the program to date will enable the partners to take the program to a new level in Phase III (the 2006-2007 academic year), when Dr. Susanna Bedell of LCRF will begin a 5-year case control study to measure ESC’s impact on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Data will be collected through detailed interviews that will be conducted regularly among ESC participants, continuing through the year after their graduation.

The results will be shared with the public on an ongoing basis to promote widespread understanding of the program and to encourage replication in other schools. Beginning in Phase III, all of the students who complete the 9^th grade course will go on to become peer mentors when they enter 10^th grade. As they progress through high school and new 9^th graders enter the program, the entire student population will eventually be engaged in ESC.

CACS offers a highly conducive atmosphere for the success of this project. The school culture and general curriculum reinforce the lessons taught in ESC. The Academy is a “walking school” with students encouraged to walk rather than ride each day. The school’s athletic director incorporates running, basketball and tennis into the students’ school day. All students are encouraged to participate in non-competitive athletics, such as a popular weekly dance program.