NYC-Based Comprehensive Sexual Education Program Highlighted on NPR’s “All Things Considered”

In a recent edition of National Public Radio’s popular show “All Things Considered,” a sex education program that could quite possibly be allowed to receive funding from the federal government through the Obama administration’s new initiative to prevent teenage pregnancy was highlighted. The administration’s program essentially allows for close to $115 million to be allocated to those comprehensive sexual education programs that have proven successful in reducing the cases of teenage pregnancies.

The highlighted program is based out of New York City and was created by Michael Carrera, a subject matter expert in the prevention of teenage sexuality. The program was showcased on “All Things Considered” as one to emulate because “it’s proven to get children to delay sex.” The program began a little over 25 years ago as after-school classes that were sponsored by the Children’s Aid Society of NYC. Since its early days, the program has replicated itself in different cities across the nation. The cost of the program is approximately $2,500 for each student that participates.

Participants begin at a young age with material that is geared towards the age group. For example, some material covers the basics of girl and boy anatomy while other aspects of the program focus on having the students candidly discuss relationships and reproduction. Carrera feels it is vital that these programs begin at an early age and not be postponed until teenage years because it may be too late. Some teenagers could already have begun having sexual encounters and, thus, may have developed their own views on relationships and gender issues.

Portions of his program focus on themes that have nothing to do with sexuality. Topics that relate to self-image, familial issues and relationships with peers are covered. In addition, the program touches on options that a student can choose in life that do not end in unwanted pregnancies. For example, the program includes a job club where the student can find work, receive a “paycheck” and have their own account to hold their earnings. In addition, the program also highlights art, music and sports. His program “also offers comprehensive medical, dental and mental health care that includes reproductive health care.”

A recent study conducted by Susan Philliber has called Carrera’s program “impressive.” Philliber’s sutdy spanned four years and followed participants of the program through their high school careers. Of the girls that participated in his programs, 10% had unplanned pregnancies compared to the 22% that came from the control group. In addition, of the girls that participated in Carrera’s program, more were likely to correctly and consistently use contraception in order to protect themseles from STDs and pregnancies.

The debate over sexual education courses is a controversial one. Many rally behind comprehensive sexual education programs such as Carrera’s while others believe strongly in abstinence-only programs. Ron Haskins, one of former President George W. Bush’s senior advisers, has admitted that he finds Carrera’s program admirable; however, he does not feel the program is duplicatable due to limited resources of various communites. He states for many communities “it’ll be very difficult for them to implement all aspects of the Carrera program.”