A landmark research project by the National Children’s Study that the Lancaster City Council has thrown its support behind will begin recruiting participants this month. The Council encourages eligible residents to participate.

In November 2010, the Lancaster City Council presented the UCLA-based team with a resolution in support of the National Children’s Study (NCS). It is called the largest, long-term study of environmental influences on children’s health and development ever conducted in the United States.

The Antelope Valley is experiencing a different version of itself of late, especially the city of Lancaster. A complete revision of Lancaster Boulevard, new homes sprouting in the dry desert, and new business ventures have attracted many of its new residents.

But what about the residents with criminal backgrounds who know nothing of how to apply for a job, or the families that struggle financially? More importantly, what about the youth that have encountered problems in school?