Effects of the Perry Preschool Program on Youths Through Age 19

The Perry Preschool Project is a study of 123 black youths from families of low socioeconomic status, who were at risk of failing in school. The purpose of the study is to explore the long-term effects on these young people of participation versus nonparticipation in a program of high quality early childhood education. Results to age 19 indicate lasting beneficial effects of preschool education in improving scholastic placement and achievement during the school years; in decreasing delinquency and crime, the use of welfare assistance, and the incidence of teenage pregnancy; and in increasing the rates of high school graduation, enrollment in postsecondary programs, and employment. These findings, and findings from other studies of similar children, apply to children at risk of scholastic failure for sociocultural reasons.