Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Youth Development
The rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV remain unacceptably high across California, and in our community. High teen pregnancy rates take their toll on the life of a teenager, their children, and families—both immediate and extended. Taking care of a child is a huge task, and when adolescents have children their future prospects for academic and professional success are seriously hindered.
However, teens exposed to positive mentoring and effective education, develop a heightened awareness of their potential for success.
Through a Community Challenge Grant, from the California Department of Public Health, Office of Family Planning, the Foundation receives funding support to implement Teen Health and Youth Development programs. The Foundation has a long standing commitment to its efforts in preventing teen pregnancy and promoting youth development. With the support of our Riverside Challenges of Youth Coalition, our programs provide a comprehensive, positive approach to the dissemination of educational information on promising possibilities for our youth. Investing in teenage pregnancy prevention programs in Riverside is vital to the health and welfare of generations of our children. Investing in teenage pregnancy prevention programs in Riverside is vital to the health and welfare of our youth and future generations.
"I believe that pregnancy prevention programs like Project t.e.a.m., Project X-Men, and Peer-to-Peer, are very important. Our community and youth need to learn about this information to make educated decisions. Pregnancy is a big responsibility and the numbers on pregnant teens are growing. This needs to change for several reasons. Teens are not prepared emotionally or physically for this type of responsibility. I hope that these programs can continue to grow and teach adolescents." (Sarah, King High School Student).