Advocates for Youth partners with youth leaders, adult allies and youth-serving organizations to advocate for policies and champion programs that recognize young people’s rights to honest sexual health information; accessible, confidential, and affordable sexual health services; and the resources and opportunities necessary to create sexual health equity for all youth.

This document supports school districts in translating the new requirements and updates to teaching Comprehensive Sexual Health Education put into motion by the Youth Wellness Act (HB-1032). It outlines how districts should implement sexual health education in the classroom to be in compliance with the state legislation

The State of Adolescent Sexual Health (SASH) Report, in publication since 2008, highlights Colorado’s progress relative to national trends while also pointing to where there is more work to be done. The report has evolved from an independent project of Colorado Youth Matter to where it is currently: a joint venture between Trailhead Institute and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Since its inception, the SASH Report has included the input of a community advisory council. In addition to the latest state and national data, the SASH Report includes recommendations to address disparities and improve the health for Colorado’s young people.

This paper highlights effective community engagement approaches that have been used to support districts in improving and sustaining comprehensive sexual health education since 2008. These findings were based on a qualitative analysis from interviews with current and former school district partners who participated in the Working to Institutionalize Sex Education (WISE) Colorado Initiative, led by Trailhead Institute.