On October 27th, the New York State Department of Health released a Request for Applications (RFA) for organizations to provide services through the Successfully Transitioning Youth to Adolescence (STYA) Initiative. A total of approximately $3.5 million in annual funding will be awarded to 20-25 organizations to develop community-based programs that incorporate mentoring, counseling, and adult-supervised activities for preteen youth who are between 9 and 12 years old, including youth in foster care. Projects receiving STYA funds should develop, enhance, or expand programs that support the following goals:
- Delay the onset of adolescent sexual activity;
- Decrease the incidence of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing;
- Promote the development of positive long-term relationships between adults and youth;
- Provide education to the parents, guardians, and caregivers of preteen youth to enhance their parenting skills; and
- Support a healthy transition to adolescence among preteen youth.
A summary of key provisions of the RFA and the full RFA are attached. Applications are due by December 20th.