Summary

The New Jersey Department of Health received a formula grant award of $933,756 from the Administration for Children, Youth and Families under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP, CFDA 93.092), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. This award supports the delivery of evidence-based sexual health education and youth development services targeting youth ages 10 to 19, with special emphasis on pregnant and parenting youth under age 21, as well as at-risk populations including youth in foster care, juvenile justice systems, and those experiencing homelessness or human trafficking.

Under this grant, the New Jersey Department of Health will implement medically-accurate, culturally-appropriate programming that educates youth on abstinence and contraception to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The funded activities will incorporate instruction on at least three adulthood preparation topics, such as healthy relationships, financial literacy, adolescent development, parent-child communication, career and educational success, and healthy life skills. As a state formula grant recipient, the department must replicate evidence-based, effective programs that have demonstrated success in changing youth sexual behavior through rigorous scientific research.