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School committee approves participation in NIH‑funded Project HERO with Brown University
Summary
Cumberland voted 6–0 to allow Project HERO, a Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital study funded by the NIH, to recruit and run a voluntary, opt‑in program for seventh graders combining sexual‑health education with social‑emotional learning; parents will meet individually and sign hospital consent forms.
The committee approved participation in Project HERO, a study conducted by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University and funded by the National Institutes of Health. Project HERO is designed for seventh‑grade students (ages roughly 12–14) and combines sexual‑health education with social‑emotional learning and emotional‑regulation skills delivered through interactive activities and a tablet‑based survey component.
Presenters said recruitment will occur during advisory periods where researchers will provide flyers and a QR code; participation is strictly voluntary and requires parents to opt in. Brown University’s institutional review board will oversee the research and all participating parents will meet individually with project staff to review risks, benefits and consent documents. Students and parents who complete questionnaires will receive compensation at specified points; the pilot aims to enroll roughly 120 seventh graders combined across Cranston and Cumberland.
Committee members asked about risks, consent withdrawal, oversight and sample size; presenters confirmed participants may withdraw at any time and that IRB oversight is in place. Ms. Shea moved to approve participation in Project HERO; Ms. Goldstein seconded. The motion passed 6–0.
Next steps: project staff will proceed with district coordination and parent outreach, following IRB‑approved consent procedures.
