This project seeks to replicate evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs in high need and overlooked settings throughout the Harris County area. The goal of this 5-year project is to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, promote positive youth development, and advance health equity for adolescents, their families, and communities through the replication of age- and culturally-appropriate, medically accurate, trauma-informed, and inclusive evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs (EBPs) that are aligned with community needs and resources. We will accomplish this goal by implementing multiple EBPs among urban, ethnic-minority youth aged 10-21 across three settings (minority serving institutions of higher education, public housing communities, and juvenile justice agencies) in Harris County, Texas. The proposed participant reach is 26,515 which includes youth (n=21,515), parents/caregivers (n=3,500) and youth service providers (n=1,500) To accomplish the project goal, we will establish partnerships with multiple institutions and agencies throughout the community. These partnerships will facilitate implementation in program sites and linkages to adolescent-friendly supportive services throughout the Harris County region, a geographic area whose teen birth rates and STI rates exceed corresponding rates in the U.S.
