Promising Practices
The Promising Practices database informs professionals and community members about documented approaches to improving community health and quality of life.
The ultimate goal is to support the systematic adoption, implementation, and evaluation of successful programs, practices, and policy changes. The database provides carefully reviewed, documented, and ranked practices that range from good ideas to evidence-based practices.
Learn more about the ranking methodology.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / School Environment, Teens
The goal of this program is to teach young adolescents self-control, stress management, social problem solving, and communication skills, and to encourage them to use those skills for the prevention of substance use and high-risk sexual behavior.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Social Environment, Children
The goal of this program is to help students acquire social and decision-making skills and to develop their ability to effectively use those skills in real-life and academic situations.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Oral Health, Children, Women
The purpose of the "Something to Smile About" dental program is to improve dental outcomes for children in Garrett County, Maryland.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Alcohol & Drug Use, Teens, Adults
The goal of the Tobacco Use Prevention program is to control tobacco use, reduce secondhand smoke exposure, and encourage smoking cessation.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders, Teens
The program's primary objectives are to educate teens that depression is a treatable illness and to equip them to respond to a potential suicide in a friend or family member using the SOS technique.
Filed under Effective Practice, Economy / Housing & Homes, Urban
The goal of this program is to create affordable rental and home ownership opportunities for families and to protect current residents from displacement.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / Student Performance K-12, Children, Teens, Urban
Spark's mission is to provide life-changing apprenticeships to youth in underserved communities across the United States.
Filed under Good Idea, Economy / Investment & Personal Finance, Families, Urban
The goal of SparkPoint is to help low-income families create step-by-step plans to help them get out of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability.
Filed under Good Idea, Art & Recreation / Art, Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Urban
SpeakOut allows individuals to share their personal stories, through song, poetry, and music, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and love with their listeners.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Diabetes, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
The goal of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians is to provide diabetes education and services to Native Americans and Alaska Natives.