About the Program
The Colorado General Assembly passed a Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education bill (HB19-1032), in May 2019. This bill clarifies content requirements for public schools that offer comprehensive human sexuality education and prohibits instruction from explicitly or implicitly teaching or endorsing religious ideology or sectarian tenets or doctrines, using shame-based or stigmatizing language or instructional tools, employing gender norms or gender stereotypes, or excluding the relational or sexual experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex individuals. HB19-1032 funded the sexual education grant program for the first time. The program is housed in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
CDPHE acknowledges that long-standing systemic racism, including economic and environmental injustice, has created conditions that negatively affect marginalized communities, particularly people of color. These conditions, which limit opportunities for optimal health and influence individual behaviors, are critical predictors of health outcomes. To realize a future where all Coloradans can thrive, we must be leaders in undoing policies and practices that have contributed to these inequities.
The CHSE program builds upon this foundation. Schools and districts are expected to center equity in all planning and implementation activities, especially for young people whose experiences and needs historically have not been included in this instruction (communities of color; immigrant communities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities; people who are intersex; people with physical or intellectual disabilities; people who have experienced sexual violence victimization).
Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education
Comprehensive human sexuality education content must be medically accurate, culturally sensitive, inclusive of a positive youth development approach, and aligned with content requirements.
- “Medically accurate” is defined as verified or supported by research conducted in compliance with scientific methods and published in peer-reviewed journals, where appropriate, and recognized as accurate, objective, and unbiased by the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- “Culturally sensitive” is defined as resources, references, and information that are meaningful to the experiences and needs of communities of color; immigrant communities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities; people who are intersex; people with physical or intellectual disabilities; people who have experienced sexual victimization; and others whose experiences have traditionally been left out of sexual health education, programs, and policies.
Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education, as outlined in House Bill 19-1032, must include the following:
- Medically accurate information about methods to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, and the link between human papillomavirus and cancer. These methods are correct and consistent use of abstinence, all FDA-approved forms of contraception, condoms, and barrier methods.
- Consent and promotion of healthy relationships.
- Safe Haven Laws.
- If instruction on pregnancy outcome options is provided, then it must cover all options including but not limited to adoptions, abortion, parenting, and safe haven laws.
About this Funding
The CHSE Program is excited to announce a 1-year (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) funding opportunity for all Colorado public schools, school districts, board of cooperative services, charter schools, or institute charter schools.
This funding may be used to build readiness and capacity for comprehensive human sexuality education in alignment with House Bill 19-1032 including, but not limited to the following activities: community engagement, stakeholder buy-in, professional development and training for staff, selecting curricula, school/district level policy development, readiness assessments, purchasing materials or technology, and piloting instruction.
Applicants may request up to $25,000.
Grant Period
July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022
Anticipated Funding Available
The total anticipated funding available is approximately $180,000 and is contingent upon fully restored funding for the program for state Fiscal Year 2021-22. The CHSE program anticipates funding approximately 7-10 schools/districts with a maximum award of $25,000.
This grant is cost reimbursable only, meaning organizations must be financially able to fund expenses upfront and then request reimbursement.
Priority
Priority will be given to:
- Rural schools or districts as defined by the Colorado Department of Education.
- Schools or districts not currently implementing any comprehensive human sexuality education.
Due Date
Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 2nd at 5:00pm