The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a research $800K to project spearheaded by USF faculty. The project is called Choosing Myself. The research team seeks to reduce unintended teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and incidents of trafficking for marginalized youth.
The research team is using this grant to organize a sexual health education program called Choosing Myself. This program targets youth who are or have been in the juvenile justice system and from populations such as LGBTQ+ individuals. Along with reducing many negative aspects of sexual relationships, the project hopes to enhance knowledge of healthy relationships while increasing self-esteem.
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“Choosing Myself is distinctive compared to other sexual health education programs. As it takes into account the lived experiences and circumstances of marginalized populations. Focusing on individuals’ goals and how those experiences and goals may affect sexual health and relationships,” said Jill McCracken. She’s a USF professor of English and Women’s and Gender Studies, and one of the leaders of the project. “Our hope is that through this program – providing skills and resources and talking about healthy relationships and what healthy communication looks like – participants can better identify red flags of toxic situations.”
The research team will partner with local nonprofit Allies for Healing in 2023. This will allow them to bring the educational program to over 200 students throughout Tampa and Savannah, Georgia. Program locations will include juvenile justice facilities, foster care programs and group homes, and treatment facilities.
What’s in the Choosing Myself program
The curriculum will cover topics ranging from birth control and STI prevention to boundaries, consent and healthy relationships. In each class, students are led through a mindfulness activity. This gives them the opportunity to reflect on their personal values, experiences and how they feel about the subject.
“Choosing Myself is an exciting new program. It values inclusivity, strengths and positivity and provides a truly comprehensive education for some of the most marginalized youth in our communities,” said Jessica Swanson. She’s the program director and interim executive director for Allies for Healing. “We’re ready to jump in and begin working with organizations in the new year. To create safe and trauma-informed spaces for young people to receive this critical education.”
The program’s aim is to improve sexual health knowledge for students, increase contraceptive use, and reduce nonconsensual sexual activity through relationship education and empowerment. If the program is successful, the research team plans to apply for a larger grant to scale-up the project.
Interested organizations can contact Jill McCracken at mccracken@usf.edu.