Rural America Initiatives

Project Name: Keep It Real Program: A Teen Pregnancy Prevention Evidence Based Program for American Indian Youth

Project Overview: Rural America Initiatives’ Keep It Real Program (KIRP) will implement an evidence-based program (EBP) for American Indian middle school youth in Rapid City, South Dakota, with the goal of reducing unwanted teen pregnancy and high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI). KIRP will be provided in three unique settings: in five middle schools during school hours; during four after-hours sessions; and in a therapeutic foster home program. Ultimately, KIRP aims to 1) provide American Indian and other middle school youth with knowledge, skills, and exercises for making health decisions, promoting healthy relationships, and reducing risk behaviors using evidence-base and medically accurate curriculum and activities; and 2) successfully collaborate with Rapid City middle schools, community youth organizations, healthcare providers, caregivers, and other youth servicing organizations to assist and support the delivery of the program and respective activities. KIRP staff will have specific experience working with American Indian youth and will demonstrate the ability to apply Lakota values to their work. In addition to receiving the EBP, participating youth will learn about Lakota traditions, knowledge, and history and how to apply the values in their lives. The KIRP program aims to serve 646 youth annually.

Community(ies) Served: Rapid City, Pennington County, 57701, SD

Target Population: Middle school youth and youth in a therapeutic foster home setting

Geographic Area Served (Urbanicity of Community): Rapid City, SD (Urban)

Average Anticipated Number of Youth Served Annually: 646