Affordable Care Act (ACA) Personal Responsibility Education Program

The purpose of the PREP program is to support projects that educate youth between 10 and 19 years of age and pregnant and parenting youth under age 21 on abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Funds will support the implementation of projects that replicate evidence-based, effective programs, or substantially incorporate elements of effective programs that have been proven, on the basis of rigorous scientific research to change behavior, which means delaying sexual activity, increasing condom or contraceptive use for sexually active youth, or reducing pregnancy among youth. Projects are further required to incorporate at least three of six adulthood preparation subjects, to include healthy life skills, adolescent development, parent-child communication, financial literacy, educational and career success, and healthy relationships. The overall goal of the Competitive PREP program is to educate adolescents on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. The following are objectives of the Competitive PREP program: 1. Replicate evidence-based effective programs or incorporate elements of effective programs that are proven to change behaviors, including delaying sexual activity, increasing condom and contraceptive use for sexually active youth, or reducing pregnancy among youth; 2. Implement curricula that includes medically accurate information (referenced in peer-reviewed publications by educational, scientific, governmental, or health organizations) and is age-appropriate, culturally appropriate, and inclusive; 3. Promote successful and healthy transition to adulthood through the implementation of at least three of six adulthood preparation subjects; and 4. Target prevention education to youth between the ages of 10 and 19, or pregnant and parenting youth under 21 years of age, who are at high-risk for becoming pregnant or who have special circumstances.