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DURHAM, N.H.鈥擶hile research shows that fewer young people are staying in New Hampshire鈥檚 Co枚s County after graduating high school, most still report a consistently strong sense of community, according to new research by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the 91制片厂.

that explores young people鈥檚 well-being, their decisions about educational and job opportunities in the northern New Hampshire county, and their plans to stay or move away. In 2008, 83% of all seventh and eighth grade students enrolled in Co枚s County public schools participated in the initial survey. Over 10 years, data was collected from 831 participants at up to six points in time. The primary sponsor of the study was the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The data has, and will continue to, inform grantmaking in the North Country.

The research revealed three main conclusions: that the home environment is the foundation of youth development, that youth鈥檚 aspirations and expectations become reality, and that community attachment and youth voice matter. Of those surveyed, now 22 and 26 years old, approximately 42% reported that they still live in Co枚s County the majority of the time.

鈥淣one of this is to suggest that the local economy is not a driving force in outmigration decisions, but these are powerful findings that point to clear steps to take right now,鈥� said Eleanor Jaffee, project manager. 鈥淭he Tillotson Fund has already launched the Empower Co枚s Youth campaign and its grantmaking program is being driven by priorities identified by young people serving on a youth grantmaking committee.鈥�

The research was conducted by an interdisciplinary team of faculty fellows in the Carsey School of Public Policy.

Corinna Jenkins Tucker, professor of family studies, found that while adolescents may not be able to change their home environments, they can be shown skills to reduce chaos. 鈥淗ousehold chaos is linked with adolescents having a more negative outlook on the future. Clinical and programmatic efforts could be designed to limit and prevent chaos by supporting families in how they manage their household.鈥�

Karen Van Gundy, professor of sociology, found that a strong sense of community is a powerful resource for Co枚s youth. 鈥淧olicies and practices that promote the development and maintenance of community ties in youth can serve to reduce adult risk for adverse mental and behavioral health outcomes.鈥�

Erin Hiley Sharp, associate professor of human development and family studies, found that most high school students in Co枚s reported high aspirations and expectations for the future, but that efforts are needed to help all Co枚s young people see a clear and successful role for themselves in the region鈥檚 existing economy.

鈥淚ncreasing efforts to identify and support students who are struggling academically and disconnected from their school or community as early as possible could significantly improve these students鈥� future aspirations, expectations and attainment,鈥� she said.

In the final section, led by Cesar Rebellon, professor of sociology, research found that youth who felt like their voices were heard during childhood and adolescence were more prone to desire a long-term future in the county. Rebellon noted that 鈥渢he sense of community among Co枚s youth is strong and remained resilient in the face of the Great Recession.鈥�

The Carsey School of Public Policy conducts research, leadership development, and engaged scholarship relevant to public policy. They address pressing challenges, striving for innovative, responsive, and equitable solutions at all levels of government and in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.