STARS (Students Teaching About Responsible Sexuality) is a regional teen peer education program in the greater Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, New London, Stamford and Providence areas. The program was founded in 2001 by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) as an initiative to encourage youth to empower their communities by providing accurate sexuality education and resources that allow reproductive care to be more accessible. The mission of STARS is to promote a culture of sex positivity and inclusive, evidence based sexual education that will allow youth to make the best sexual decisions for their bodies while preventing teen pregnancy and STI/HIV transmission.

Enrolled in High School (ages 13-19)

Regular and punctual attendance of weekly and/or biweekly meetings

Participation during training various sexuality topics including (but not limited to): anatomy and physiology, birth control methods, consent, STI/HIV transmission and prevention, sexual decision making, condom negotiation, healthy/unhealthy relationships, and matters concerning priority communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, etc.)

Participation in recruitment, social media campaign and marketing efforts (including content creation & engagement)

Minimum one year commitment

Advises PPSNE on issues related to teens and assists in organizational conferences, community events and health fairs

Development and facilitation of workshops or seminars

Provide factual information around healthy sexuality topics to peers and others in their community

Keep an accurate record of activities and submit monthly contact logs

Recruitment for PPSNE youth events (Beyond the Birds and Bees, Teen Night, Teen Clinic, etc.) and the S.T.A.R.S program