Bridging Borders Through Communication: Jonathan Pettigrew’s Educational Mission in Costa Rica

At the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, the power of communication extends beyond the classroom—it shapes communities, transforms lives and crosses borders. Jonathan Pettigrew, an associate professor known for his research on family and health communication, is expanding his impact in Central America through an innovative partnership with Black Studios in Costa Rica. Together, they are updating educational videos for school-based intervention programs that help students build essential life skills.

This initiative builds on Pettigrew’s ongoing work in the region. He has led a social media campaign that has reached hundreds of thousands of users with animations, stickers, and AI-generated avatars that share key intervention messages. His parent-intervention program, “Dale, Hablemos Familia” (Let’s Talk Family), developed in collaboration with Diane Badzinski, a professor of communication at Colorado Christian University, has already been implemented in schools and community groups in Central America. By equipping parents and educators with research-driven strategies, the program fosters stronger family connections and helps young people navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Now, with the support of Black Studios, Pettigrew is taking his mission a step further. By using media and storytelling, he’s making communication-based interventions more accessible and engaging for students. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future,” he said. “When we create resources that are culturally relevant and research-based, we can empower students to make informed decisions, strengthen relationships and lead healthier lives.”

These global contributions are part of a larger commitment by the Hugh Downs School to foster social change through communication. Over the past year, faculty members have led initiatives worldwide: Serap Erincin coordinated conferences in South Africa and Great Britain, Pauline Hope Cheong conducted an AI and leadership workshop in Germany, Heewon Kim served as a visiting professor in South Korea, and Uttaran Dutta collaborated with Indigenous communities in South Asia to improve local infrastructure.

As Pettigrew’s project continues to unfold, students will have access to vital educational tools that blend cutting-edge research with creative storytelling. And for the Hugh Downs School, this is just one of many ways its faculty are shaping a better world—one conversation, one lesson and one community at a time.