The Regents of the University of California, San Francisco

Project Name: Rural Education and Development for Youth (READY+)

Project Overview: Rural Education and Development for Youth (READY+) aims to address the needs of youth living in the predominantly Latino communities of rural Fresno County, California, who face significant health disparities due to multiple social and structural factors. These include high rates of poverty, geographic isolation, a lack of educational and employment opportunities, language barriers, and limited local services. READY+ will build on the successes and lessons learned from a previous TPP20 Tier 1 grant by continuing core partnerships, expanding programming into new communities and settings, and adding evidence-based programs (EBPs) that promote mental health, positive youth development, and family communication. EBPs will address youth sexual risk behaviors in schools, juvenile justice facilities, and community-based settings, as well as provide educational workshops to parents/caregivers. Older youth will receive a supplementary curriculum aimed at reinforcing content on sexual health, mental health, and preparation for adulthood. Throughout the project, a youth advisory council and a community advisory board will provide input on the design and scope of activities. This program will incorporate a multifaceted strategy that will promote sustainable and innovative change in rural Fresno County and serve as a model for other rural communities. The project aims to serve 2,549 youth annually.

Community(ies) Served: Mendota, Firebaugh, Fowler, Riverdale, and Reedley in Fresno County

Target Population: Adolescents in grades 7-12 and parents and caregivers, with a focus on Latino families

Geographic Area Served (Urbanicity of Community): Fresno County, CA (Rural)

Average Anticipated Number of Youth Served Annually: 2,549