MODEL WASTE–WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, ARCATA, CALIFORNIA. This innovation uses new technology to accomplish a specific purpose—cleaning waste water from the town of Arcata—and simultaneously to provide wider public benefits. Through the revival of wetlands areas capable of filtering nutrient-rich waste water, the town has created the 170-acre Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, which has become a center for a wide variety of recreational activities from bird watching to boating. Not only has the marsh attracted wildlife of all kinds, it has also provided a site for aquaculture—for example, salmon are raised in its waters. This innovation owes its existence to a local coalition that relied for technical advice on staff of the local state university. It was developed to counter a more costly traditional waste-water system mandated by the state government.

FAMILY LEARNING CENTER, LESLIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The Family Learning Center packages comprehensive educational and support services for teenage parents from seven rural school districts of Ingham County. Pregnant teens and young mothers who might otherwise be forced to abandon their high school education can continue with their classes at the center. It provides day care, transportation, vocational and career counseling, on-site and home health care, and prenatal care. Parenting skills are taught to young fathers as well as to mothers. The center, which offers the normal high school curriculum, graduates 90 percent of its students and at the same time helps them to become better parents. It is supported by a mix of state education funds and foundation grants.