The ASH Ed Program program goals are to equip youth with the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to make responsible and healthy decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health; reduce adolescent birth and STI rates; and promote positive development and healthy relationships. The ASH Ed Program, comprised of CA PREP and the I&E Program, aims to reach youth experiencing the greatest inequities in health and social outcomes. 

CA PREP funding is intended to educate youth on preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections through replicating or substantially incorporating elements of effective evidence-based and evidence-informed program models that have been proven to improve sexual health outcomes, including delaying sexual activity and increasing contraceptive use. CA PREP programming must include both abstinence and contraception education, and must cover three adulthood preparation subjects. CA PREP activities must also include community engagement around improving adolescent sexual health and promotion of clinical linkages.

The I&E Program funding is optional and intended to support one of three evidence-based or evidence-informed programs/strategies:

• Option 1: Enhanced youth engagement to center youth voice and leadership to improve program quality.
• Option 2: Parent/caring adult education to build parents’/caring adults’ knowledge and skill to support youth.
• Option 3: Train-the-educator to equip educators in the community with the skills needed to support the sexual health of young people and allow LIAs to increase reach of high quality comprenhensive sexual health education.

Applicants that meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the RFA are invited to apply to this RFA.