The District is excited to support the return of the Teen Prevention Education Program (Teen PEP) at nine NBOE high schools. Teen PEP is a comprehensive sexual health program that utilizes peer-to-peer education to enhance students' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors associated with making healthy decisions. This program is implemented as a daily course with carefully selected junior and/or senior students. These peer educators are provided with educational training on various sexual health topics. In turn, they conduct a series of structured workshops with groups of younger peers at their schools.
The program model aims to equip faculty advisors with enhanced knowledge and abilities to effectively teach sexual health in a respectful atmosphere. It also empowers peer educators with the necessary information, communication skills, and confidence to advocate for sexual health and become leaders among their peers. Additionally, it aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to prevent STIs, HIV, and unintended pregnancy. The program also seeks to equip parents/guardians with the knowledge and skills to have appropriate discussions about sex and sexuality with their children.
Peer leaders had an opportunity to go on a 3-day overnight retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to foster teamwork among Teen PEP members and establish a bond that would enable them to effectively conduct future workshops and execute lessons. Undoubtedly, this experience left a lasting impression on the students.