Examination of Century Farms in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has more than 4,000 preserved farms that are protected by conservation easements and almost 2,000 century farms that have been in the same family for more than 100 years. This research will use a previously-developed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture instrument to determine factors contributing to the success of century farms that can be applicable to preserved and other farms.
Key expected outcomes:
Models to Guide Implementation of Pennsylvania’s Watershed Improvement Plans
With more stringent inspection of erosion and sedimentation (E&S) and manure management plans as a result of the mandates of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Improvement Plan, state and county conservation agencies are looking for methods, policies and practices that can encourage farmers to complete these plans. Other states have developed legislative and regulatory programs and practices that encourage E&S control and manure management planning. This research will identify innovative policies, practices and techniques that can be used in Pennsylvania to assist farmers in complying with state and federal watershed improvement regulations.
Key expected outcomes:
Assessments of Methodologies to Determine Farms in Compliance with
Conservation Plans
All farms in Pennsylvania are required to develop erosion and sediment control and manure management plans that are kept on the farm. However, it is not known how many farms are in compliance as there is no requirement for a central depository. This research will identify and assess methods that county conservation districts can use to determine the level of compliance with state conservation management practices. Estimation of compliance is necessary so that Pennsylvania can more accurately report the number of farms that are in compliance with federal mandates.
Key expected outcomes:
Implementation of Electronic Health Records in Rural Pennsylvania
Federal mandates require that, by 2016, local physicians implement electronic health records (EHRs) or face Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement penalties. The federal government has funded regional extension centers in every state to help local physicians transition to EHRs. Studies have suggested that implementation of EHRs remains a significant challenge in some rural parts of the country. This study will determine the current level of implementation and identify barriers that may hinder implementation of EHRs in rural Pennsylvania by the 2016 deadline.
Key expected outcomes:
Telehealth in Rural Pennsylvania
Telehealth has been described as a very important way to equalize the differential in healthcare availability between rural and urban areas. It can offer the benefits of greater health care access, cost efficiencies and improved patient outcomes. This research will document telehealth use (including provider education, remote diagnosis, patient monitoring and education, and consultations) in rural Pennsylvania and identify barriers and opportunities for greater use.
Key expected outcomes:
Rural Prisoner Reentry Challenges
Many factors, including employability, recovery from substance abuse, and criminal history can influence successful community reintegration for released prisoners. This research will examine the issues of successful prisoner reentry to rural communities. It will identify what services are needed for reentry, determine the extent to which services are available in rural communities, and identify risk or protective factors for successful reintegration.
Key expected outcomes:
Characteristics of Pennsylvania Students Pursuing Postsecondary Education
Students applying for postsecondary financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Data from this form provide a rich source of information about the socio-demographic characteristics and financial status of Pennsylvania students and their families. This research will analyze the most recent FAFSA data from rural and urban perspectives to better understand the characteristics and financial needs of students in postsecondary education in Pennsylvania.
Key expected outcomes:
Examination of Postsecondary Educational Debt
The cost of postsecondary education can leave students with considerable debt. According to the Project on Student Debt, in Pennsylvania, 72 percent of 2009 graduates of a four-year institution had educational debt and the average debt was $27,000. This figure, which is $3000 above the national average, does not include those who have not completed their studies or who have attended proprietary or other non-four-year, degree-granting, postsecondary schools. This research will examine issues surrounding educational debt among rural and urban students in Pennsylvania.
Key expected outcomes:
Assessment of Rural Secondary School Career Guidance Services
In 2011, more than 34,000 Pennsylvania rural students will graduate from high school. Historically, 72 percent of high school graduates indicate their intention to pursue postsecondary education. While parents remain the major influence on a student’s post-high-school education and career pursuits, school guidance services are a critical source of career information and options. This research will examine the level and types of school career guidance services provided to youth in rural schools.
Key expected outcomes:
A Study of Guardianship Services in Pennsylvania
Many Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) act as guardians for individuals who are determined by the courts to be incompetent. This research will analyze the court appointed guardian process in Pennsylvania to determine the number of AAA guardianships in Pennsylvania and how the guardianship process works in different areas of the state as well as whether older adults have varying access to protection and guardianship as a result of living in a rural versus urban area.
Key expected outcomes:
Home and Community-Based Care Alternatives to Nursing Homes in Rural Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Office of Long-Term Living was created, in part, to rebalance long-term care in the state. Since its inception four years ago, it has helped to significantly increase in-home and community-based alternatives so that people can avoid going to a nursing facility. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, studies repeatedly show that the vast majority of people want to receive long-term care at home rather than in a nursing facility. This research will document the availability of in-home and community-based services in rural and urban areas and identify any gaps that might exist and potential solutions.
Key expected outcomes:
Population Projections for Pennsylvania for the Next 30 Years
The 2010 Census shows dynamic changes in Pennsylvania’s population over the past 10 years and these changes will likely continue for the next 30 years, especially with continued development of the Marcellus Shale. Projecting Pennsylvania’s population over the next 30 years by identifying where any changes will occur and the rates of change will inform public policy decisions. This research will develop and analyze population projections at five-year intervals for Pennsylvania’s 67 counties for the next 30 years.
Key expected outcomes:
Analysis of the projected change in population from 2010 to 2040.
Study of Marcellus Shale Development Impacts
Development of the Marcellus Shale is bringing about considerable change in rural communities across much of Pennsylvania. With studies suggesting a decades-long presence, this developing industry has the potential for significant economic and social impact for the commonwealth and its 3.4 million rural residents in particular. To document the impact of Marcellus Shale development, this research will entail a multiple-year case study of four rural counties.
The Center seeks research involving an interdisciplinary team approach using quantitative and qualitative measures to document Marcellus Shale development impact. The research will involve two case study areas: the southwestern counties of Washington and Greene and the north central counties of Bradford and Lycoming.
Applicants whose Letters of Intent are accepted will submit one proposal that addresses both case study areas.
Applicants may identify the same project director for both case study areas or two different directors. Applicants may also use the same interdisciplinary team for both case study areas or identify separate teams for each area. The same methodology and work plan must be used for both case study areas. All focus areas listed below must be examined in each case study area. The Center strongly encourages and seeks collaborative applications within and among eligible institutions.
This research will be a multiple-year project involving three waves of data collection and analysis. The first wave of the study will begin 2012, the second wave in 2014 and the third in 2016. The proposals submitted in 2012 will be for the first wave and will provide a baseline for subsequent analyses. Proposals for waves two and three will be required under the 2014 and 2016 RFP and subsequent funding is contingent on work performance.
A separate grant, up to a maximum of $50,000, will be awarded for each case study area.
Marcellus Shale case study focus areas will be:
Economic development
Community services
Infrastructure
Applicants submitting a Letter of Intent for this multiyear project may use a maximum of five typewritten pages, in addition to the Letter of Intent cover sheet (Word file, PDF). The additional pages are to allow for more details on the interdisciplinary team approach and the team members.
Mini Grant: Analysis of Survey of Financial Condition Data
As part of Act 47, the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, all municipalities are required to submit the Survey of Financial Condition each year to the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS). Using GCLGS’s early warning system for financial distress, this research will identify and compare the number, type, and characteristics of rural and urban municipalities that are experiencing some level of financial distress.
Key expected outcomes:
2012 Research Grant Program Request for Proposals (pdf)