Healthy Relationships and Economic Pathways

This research project was designed to explore three core questions (RQs).

RQ1:Does assignment to the HRE improve the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and
maintain caring and supportive personal and professional relationships among youth between
the ages of 18 and 24 in Stanislaus and Merced Counties?

In addition, American Institutes for Research (AIR), an independent evaluator, has been asked
to answer two supplemental RQs:

RQ2: Does participation in the HRE Technology Boot Camp improve technological knowledge and
skills as well as awareness of professional and educational opportunities among youth between
the ages of 18 and 24?

RQ3: Does HRE have the same effect on relationship knowledge and skills for youth between the
ages of 18 and 24 who participate in the HRE-only training as it does for youth who
participate in HRE plus Technology Bootcamp?

H-REP provides a comprehensive, three-pathway program of services to (a) students in
traditional, comprehensive high schools; (b) students in continuation of alternative schools
(e.g. court schools); and (c) youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who are receiving
employment support services from Central Valley nonprofit programs. The H-REP program
involves formal classes in Healthy Relationship Education (HRE) and technology use, case
management, and job skills training.

Inclusion Criteria:

- students in traditional, comprehensive high schools; students in continuation or
alternative schools; youth between ages of 18-24 who receive employment support
services from Central Valley non-profit programs (California); residents of Merced or
Stanislaus counties (California).

Exclusion Criteria:

- less than sixth-grade English language proficiency