Why is This Program Right for Our kids?

WHY THIS PROGRAM?

REAL Essentials Advance is the country’s leading relationship education curriculum. It is specifically designed to equip adults to teach young people skills for combating challenges they face in adolescence. Lesson content captivates the heart and directs students toward positive decision making. The sexual health components of REAL Essentials Advance are SRA (Sexual Risk Avoidance) approved. All lessons are inclusive, evidence based, and medically accurate. 

IS THIS PROGRAM MEDICALLY AND SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE?

Yes.  We adhere closely to the most successful approaches based on theory, research and measured outcomes, which are now solidly recognized by our nation's Department of Health and Human Services.  The program is 100% medically accurate and all data has been taken from accepted leaders in research, like the CDC (Center for Disease Control). 

IS THIS A FAITH-BASED TEACHING CURRICULUM?

No.   Our program for public middle and high schools is a completely "silo-ed" program (we have our own staff, our own website, etc.) separate from our faith-based initiatives). There are no references to religion or faith in our curriculum. 

HOW ARE YOU FUNDED?

The Essential Speakers program is  supported through a variety of funding streams, including private donations,  foundations, and, for the 2019-2021 school years  Grant# 1 TP1AH000-01-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs to improve adolescent health. 

DOES THIS PROGRAM WORK?

Ours  is an outcomes-evaluated program, with significant results as recognized from a social science perspective. Students exit our program less likely to enter into harmful relationships, negatively impact their school performance with consequences of sexual activity, are equipped to set healthy boundaries and empowered  to have discussions with their parent/guardian(s) about sex (a key goal for Sexual Risk Avoidance education). The anecdotal evidence of positive impact is overwhelming, and the program is very popular with students, parents and teachers. 

IS THIS AN ABSTINENCE PROGRAM?

No, this is not your typical abstinence program--this is SO MUCH MORE.  

The science-driven evolution of morality-based abstinence programs to Sexual Risk Avoidance education is now a well-documented and important focus for the federal government & the Department of Health and Social Services. Our program:

• Uses medically accurate information;
• Implements an outcomes-evaluated approach;
• Is organic and engaging;
• Teaches the benefits associated with self-regulation; success sequencing for poverty prevention; developing and maintaining healthy relationships; goal setting; and resisting sexual coercion; dating violence, and other youth risk behaviors such as underage drinking or illicit drug use – all without normalizing teen sexual activity;
• Is grounded in widely accepted theories such as the social cognitive theory, the theory of reasoned action, and the theory of planned behavior.

Studies show positive behavioral impact among students who participate in Sexual Risk Avoidance education.