Parents and Children Together (PACT) is a Penn State University Park research initiative. The PACT Initiative works to promote the health and well-being of children, youth, and families from diverse backgrounds through culturally-sensitive and community-engaged research projects implemented by Penn State researchers. PACT is funded through contributions from Penn State's Psychology Department, Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Child Study Center (CSC), College of Health and Human Development, Human Development and Family Studies, and participating research projects.
What We Do
Through PACT, Penn State researchers increase the cultural sensitivity and impact of their research while improving lives in Harrisburg.
How We Helped
PACT reaches out to the community through free family workshops and trainings for childcare employees, and in other ways as needed.
What We've Learned
PACT brings what we’ve learned through research in Harrisburg back to community members, local organizations and our Community Advisory Board.
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Dr. Sunhye Bai Awarded Early Career Professorship
Congratulations to Dr. Sunhye Bai, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, on being awarded the Karl R. Fink and Diane Wendle Fink Early Career Professorship for the Study of Families.
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Addressing Inequities in Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) recently released a new series of briefs.
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SSRI's Insights from Experts features Dr. Rina Das Eiden discussing parental substance use during COVID-19
Parental substance abuse is a significant risk factor for adaptive functioning for both parents and children. This may be exacerbated with the stress and anxiety associated with a pandemic – but may also provide an opportunity for change.
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A PACT panel presented, "Maintaining Partnerships to Serve the Community: Increased Importance during Trying Times" as part of a Latino Connection and Penn State Reach webinar series
Discussions centered on the importance of partnerships, particularly among community members, community organizations, and educational institutions, to enhance the lives of diverse children, youth and families.
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Laura Bray presented, "Partnering with Schools during the Pandemic to Support your Child's Individual Learning Needs" as part of The Road to New American Health webinar series
Dr. Bray's presentation took place on July 22, 2020, as part of a webinar series powered by Latino Connection and Penn State Reach.