Sexual Risk Avoidance Education

The Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) program funds prevention education projects that provide youth with information on how to avoid non-marital sexual activity and other risky behaviors.

The purpose of the SRAE program is to promote sexual risk avoidance education as defined by section 1110 of the Social Security Act, for adolescents. The focus of the program is to teach participants how to voluntarily refrain from non-marital sexual activity, and teach the benefits associated with self-regulation, success sequencing for poverty prevention, healthy relationships, goal setting, resisting sexual coercion, dating violence, and other youth risk behaviors such as underage drinking or illicit drug use without normalizing teen sexual activity. Recipients use an evidenced based approach and/or evidence-informed strategies to educate youth on how to avoid risks that could lead to non-marital sexual activity. SRAE projects are implemented using a Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework as part of risk avoidance strategies, to help participants build healthy life skills, develop individual protective factors that reduce risks, empower youth to make healthy decisions, and provide tools and resources to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Linking program participants to services provided by local community partners that support the safety and well-being of youth is also a key component to the program. The services are targeted to youth ages 10 to 19 and participants that reside in areas with high rates of teen births and/or are at greatest risk of contracting STIs. The program's goals are to empower participants to make healthy decisions, and provide tools and resources to prevent pregnancy, STIs, and youth engagement in other risky behaviors. Recipients must agree to use medically accurate information referenced to peer-reviewed publications by educational, scientific, governmental, or health organizations and implement an evidence-based approach integrating research findings with practical implementation that aligns with the needs and desired outcomes for the intended audience.

Awards made under the authority of section 1110 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1310 shall be made only to public and private entities that agree to use medically accurate information referenced to peer-reviewed publications by educational, scientific, governmental, or health organizations; implement an evidence-based approach integrating research findings with practical implementation that aligns with the needs and desired outcomes for the intended audience; and teach the benefits associated with self-regulation, success sequencing for poverty prevention, healthy relationships, goal setting, and resisting sexual coercion, dating violence, and other youth risk behaviors such as underage drinking or illicit drug use without normalizing teen sexual activity. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity.

Youth populations, ages 10-19 and those who are at risk for non-marital sexual activity and other risk behaviors, benefit from the assistance. Vulnerable populations of youth include, but are not limited to, youth living in under resourced regions and areas with high rates of teen births and STIs, including HIV. Programs must ensure there is no prioritization of any race, color, or national origin of youth.

Funds are for making competitive awards which exclusively implement education in sexual risk avoidance (defined as voluntarily refraining from non-marital sexual activity) and for federal costs of administering the award. Funds may be used to educate youth on how to voluntarily refrain from non-marital sexual activity and to avoid related risky behaviors. SRAE projects must address the following requirements: 1) Evidence-Based Strategies; 2) Positive Youth Development Approach; 3) Medically Accurate and Age Appropriate; 4) Curriculum Fit and Selection; 5) Referrals to Healthcare and Other Community Services (SRAE Programs should provide referrals for necessary services, as needs are identified, but may not pay for the services themselves with ACF funding); 6) Performance Measurement; and 7) National Evaluation. Funds may not be used to supplant or replace current public or private funding or to fund the ongoing or usual activities of any organization.

Funds are available for the duration of the 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods.

The criteria for selecting applications is contained within the published Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process. After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson. While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for application deadlines.

Non-competing continuations will be issued based on availability of funds, satisfactory progress, compliance with terms and conditions, and a determination that continuation funding is in the best interest of the federal government.

There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. For existing recipients, appeals may take place in accordance with 45 CFR Part 16, subject to the limitations of the Appendix A.