Boys Town Nevada joined community and education leaders at UNLV’s Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony on April 29, an afternoon dedicated to recognizing work that creates meaningful impact in people’s lives. Held on the UNLV campus, the event brought together Dr. Ying Guo, Executive Director John Etzell, Shelby Vanderson and UNLV Interim President Dr. Chris Heavey, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting students across Southern Nevada.
A standout moment of the evening was Dr. Ying Guo receiving the Community Engagement Community-Based Research Award for her work studying the impact of Boys Town Nevada’s School Support Program in the Clark County School District (CCSD). Her research focuses on translating academic insights into real-world outcomes that benefit children and families.
Through her partnership with Boys Town Nevada, Dr. Guo has been evaluating how early intervention and support services help at-risk students overcome challenges such as behavioral concerns, chronic absenteeism and mental health needs. The program currently serves thousands of students across dozens of CCSD schools, providing critical resources that keep students engaged and on track.
For Boys Town Nevada, this recognition reflects the strength of its partnerships with UNLV and local schools, as well as a shared mission to create safe, supportive learning environments. It also serves as a reminder that when community collaboration and research come together, the results can be truly transformative.