National Dance Institute – New Mexico Evaluation

Project Director: Theresa H. Cruz, PhD
Project Contact: Ivy Vitanzos Cervantes, MD, MPH

The National Dance Institute of New Mexico (NDI New Mexico) serves more than 8,000 children annually through in-school, after-school, summer, and Advanced Training programs. The programs are designed to provide children opportunities to develop discipline, practice teamwork, and gain self-confidence while learning and refining their dance techniques. NDI New Mexico’s Advanced Training programs are delivered after-school and on weekends for motivated students who want to continue learning and growing. 

Youth development, school connectedness and positive school outcomes are known protective factors against negative health behaviors and outcomes in youth. Education is also a known social determinant of health in the long-term. The UNM PRC is working with NDI-New Mexico to evaluate the association between participation in NDI New Mexico’s programs and school-related outcomes including school attendance, academic performance (standardized testing), and delinquent behavior.

Principal Investigator: Theresa H. Cruz, PhD
Source of funding: NDI-NM 

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