Background: Although high rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been consistently reported in Eastern Virginia, access to comprehensive sex education (CSE) for adolescents is limited in this region due to socioeconomic, cultural, and structural barriers. The Teen Health 360 program adopted the Get Real Comprehensive Sex Education That Works curriculum for pilot among adolescents. This study examined the effect of the program on sexual health knowledge among participants.

Methods: Participants were recruited May 2021- March 2023 through various channels. Parents/guardians were invited to register their children via an opt-in form. Academy sessions were delivered online or in-person by trained health educators. Data was collected using pre- and post-assessments, student feedback forms, and program fidelity logs. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed to examine differences in sexual health knowledge between pre- and post-assessment, and differential effects between virtual and in-person program models.

Results: A total of 486 adolescents participated in the pilot (313 middle school and 173 high school students) among which 82% (399/486) had perfect attendance. Significant increases in STI knowledge (means: 3.41 vs 4.58, pre vs post), condom use and protection (79% vs 87%), puberty and reproductive system (35% vs 85%) were revealed from pre to post-assessment (P<0.001). Over ninety percent of adolescents said they were glad they participated in the academy and that they would recommend it to their peers.

Conclusions: Participation in evidence-based CSE significantly improved sexual health knowledge and communication skills among youth for informed-decisions about their relationships, health, and well-being.