SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Mark J Kittleson, has collaborated with a research team from New Jersey to publish a manuscript titled, “The FELLAS (Fathers Empowered to Learn, Lead, & Achieve Success) Fatherhood Project: Pilot Study Results,” in the Health Behavior and Policy Review journal. This study evaluates the outcomes of a funded initiative aimed at enhancing fathers’ parenting skills and supporting their journey toward economic stability.

The FELLAS program focused on improving communication, conflict resolution, positive parenting skills, financial management, and employment status among participants. Fathers completed detailed questionnaires at the program's start, conclusion, and a 6-month follow-up, with findings indicating significant improvement in all six outcome measures.

The promising results of this pilot study are driving the development of a more rigorous assessment of the intervention, highlighting the potential of such programs to create lasting positive impacts on families and communities.

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