About Us

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The Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center (MI-YVPC) is part of the Prevention Research Collaborative at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The MI-YVPC is one of five National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Established in 2010, the MI-YVPC brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to prevent youth violence. We foster relationships with local community partners to develop, implement, and build evidence for promising prevention initiatives.

Our Approach

Our work is grounded in community and youth empowerment theories. We partner with universities, health systems, police departments, and community-based organizations. Together, we implement and evaluate strategies to prevent youth violence.

By working collaboratively with community partners, we ensure that our work is youth- and community-driven. This approach promotes prevention that is more responsive, equitable, and sustainable. 

Our goal is to honor what local partners are already doing in their communities and bring what university partners have to offer, including implementation and evaluation science.
Dr. Marc Zimmerman, MI-YVPC Director

Promoting Positive Youth Development

Providing youth with leadership opportunities to create community change and prevent youth violence.
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Building Busy Streets

Empowering youth and communities to improve neighborhood environments and strengthen community relationships.
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Hospital-Based Interventions

Reaching youth seeking care with evidence-based prevention programs that provide support and build skills.
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Addressing the Root Causes of Firearm Violence

Racism and economic disinvestment have undermined opportunity and contributed to rising firearm violence in cities across the U.S. Yet, in communities with the greatest need for prevention, there is a lack of relevant, evidence-based programs.

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