PREPare for Success

PREPare for Success is a North Carolina program that aims to reduce teen pregnancy rates. The state has a high teen pregnancy rate compared to the rest of the country.

PREPare for Success is funded by the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) via the Affordable Care Act. PREP educates teens about abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). NCDHHS was awarded this federal funding in 2010.

How PREPare for Success Works

PREPare for Success builds upon existing efforts to prevent teen pregnancy in North Carolina. The program addresses this issue through two approaches:

1. Supports the North Carolina School Health Training Center at East Carolina University

Through the center, PREPare for Success offers:

• Facilitator and teacher training
• Curricula materials
• Ongoing technical support

These tools help school systems and community organizations implement evidence-based programs like:

• Making Proud Choices!
• Reducing the Risk
• Promoting Health Among Teens

These programs have proven effective in reducing teen pregnancy and risks. Schools and organizations in counties with high teen birth rates receive priority for training and resources.

Map of Participating Schools

2. Provides grants to local agencies

Local agencies have received grants to implement evidence-based curricula in North Carolina's communities. Grants are awarded through a competitive Request for Applications (RFA) sub-award process.

Evidence-based curricula includes:

• Making Proud Choices!
  • Specifically used in out-of-home care settings such as:
    • Therapeutic group homes
    • Day treatment centers
    • Shelters
    • Juvenile Justice Centers
• Reducing the Risk
• Teen Outreach Program

Funded agencies must also provide support services for one or more of the six adulthood preparation subjects:

• Adolescent development
• Healthy life skills
• Healthy relationships
• Financial literacy
• Educational and career success
• Parent-child communication

All sites must establish community partnerships to support program implementation. School and community sites also coordinate activities to support parent/guardian involvement. This includes training and technical support for delivering the evidence-based Parents Matter curriculum to parents/guardians of youth ages 9-12.

PREP in Your Community

Check if there is a PREP project in your community.

Can't find a project near you? Contact your local health department for information on teen pregnancy prevention programs.

For more information about PREPare for Success, please contact us.