The majority of programs use nationally disseminated abstinence-only education curricula. Six communitywide systemic change projects have been invited to participate in the evaluation. Four are being operated by community-based organizations, two of which were set up to operate the Title V grant. The other two are run by county health departments. Each communitywide project includes an abstinence-only education curriculum delivered through the schools and a unique set of efforts to affect community norms, resources, and behaviors.
Some projects are student-focused, with less outreach to parents and other community members.
Others have concentrated on engaging parents and community leaders early on. One project has an especially heavy emphasis on media efforts. We are currently enrolling sample members in the targeted program sites and administering a baseline survey. Two follow-up surveys will be administered, the second of which is scheduled for spring 2001. A report on the evidence of program impacts on promoting abstinence and reducing risky youth behaviors will be released after the completion of the surveys.