Organizationally, it is a project of the Network for Educational Development, which is, in turn, a division of the Cooperating School Districts. Founding corporate funders include McDonnell Douglas, Emerson Electric and The Danforth Foundation. PREP's first director, Linda McKay leads PREP development as its processes are formalized and introducedto school districts and communities. PREP membership doubles in its second year with the addition of Affton, Ladue, Lindbergh, Normandy, Parkway and Valley Park School Districts, as well as St. Louis Public Schools. The same honorees would later be recipients of a special salute from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1991.
Districts begin developing individual site-based initiatives in character education.
Training of district and school staff begins on a metropolitan-wide basis. PREP's family continues to grow with the additions of Brentwood, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Northwest, Webster Groves and Wellston School Districts. That same year, PREP is asked to present its story at the National Symposium for Partnerships in Education. The Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis announces it will develop a PREP Patch, adding it to the achievement awards young girls can earn in Brownie, Junior, Cadet and Senior Girl Scouts. Requirements to earn the patch involve girl scouts in discussion, reflection and action centered around specific character traits and based on activities developed by PREP school districts.