Join the PATHS Program Now!

For Interested Youth/Young Adults and Parents/Guardians:
We invite eligible youth and their parents/guardians to join the PATHS Program at Tampa Bay Academy of Hope. To apply, please click here to complete the application form and take the first step towards a brighter future.

For Potential Mentors:
If you are passionate about making a difference in young people's lives, consider becoming a mentor. Click here to complete the mentor application form and join our team.

Invitation to Community and Faith-Based Agencies and Schools
The PATHS Program at Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is excited to offer free training classes in the Heritage Keepers SRAE curriculum and mentoring services for youth participants ages 12 to 19. We invite community organizations, faith-based agencies, and schools to partner with us in this initiative.
If you are interested in enhancing your youth programs with evidence-based education and mentorship, please complete the attachedinterest form and return it to tlamb@tampahope.org or info@tampahope.org.

Together, we can empower youth

and build a healthier community.

About the Program

The PATHS Program at Tampa Bay Academy of Hope is dedicated to empowering youth aged 12 to 19 across Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Highlands, Hernando, and Manatee counties. Funded under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) grant, the program aims to educate young people on the importance of abstinence, self-awareness, and healthy relationships.

Using the evidence-based Heritage Keepers curriculum, the PATHS Program focuses on:
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  • Encouraging abstinence from non-marital sexual activity.
  • Building self-regulation skills and self-awareness.
  • Promoting healthy relationship skills.
  • Providing education on the consequences of risky behaviors, including substance abuse and peer pressure.

Promoting Abstinence Through Health and Self-Awareness Program (PATHS)

Program Goals
The PATHS Program is dedicated to equipping youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed, healthy decisions. Our goals include:


1. Promote Abstinence and Risk Avoidance:

  • Educate participants on the benefits of abstaining from non-marital sexual activity.
  • Provide resources and strategies to help youth resist peer pressure and avoid risky behaviors.


2. Enhance Self-Awareness and Personal Growth:

  • Encourage self-reflection and goal setting to promote personal development.
  • Foster a sense of responsibility and self-regulation among participants.


3. Support Healthy Relationships:

  • Teach skills necessary for building and maintaining healthy relationships, including effective communication and conflict resolution.
  • Address issues such as peer pressure, dating violence, and sexual coercion.


4. Reduce Disparities:

  • Target underserved populations.
  • Work to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in teen pregnancy and STI rates through education and outreach.


5. Community Engagement:

  • Collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to create a supportive network for youth.
  • Engage parents and guardians in program activities to reinforce learning and support at home.


6. Evaluate and Adapt:

  • Continuously assess program effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments to enhance outcomes.

By achieving these goals, the PATHS Program aims to empower youth to lead healthy, fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to their communities.

PATHS Mission

The PATHS (Promoting Abstinence Through Health and Self-Awareness) and SRAE (Sexual Risk Avoidance Education) programs at Tampa Bay Academy of Hope aim to empower youth aged 12 to 19 to make informed decisions about their health and futures. Through the Heritage Keepers curriculum, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive education that promotes the benefits of abstinence, self-regulation, and healthy relationships. Our programs encourage personal growth and self-awareness, helping young people set and achieve goals, resist peer pressure, and avoid risky behaviors. By fostering a supportive and informative environment, we strive to equip our youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful and healthy transition into adulthood.

Eligibility
To participate in the PATHS Program at Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement: Youth aged 12 to 19 are eligible to enroll in the program.

  1. Residency: Participants must reside in one of the following counties: Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Highlands, Hernando, or Manatee.
  2. Commitment: Participants should be willing to actively engage in program activities and discussions.


The PATHS Program is open to all eligible youth, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, aiming to create an inclusive and supportive environment for personal growth and education. For more information or to apply, please contact us at (813) 620-4029.

Why Choose PATHS?

The PATHS Program equips young people with the tools they need to make informed and responsible decisions. By focusing on personal growth and self-awareness, participants are better prepared to set and achieve goals that lead to a healthy and successful future.

Teen Pregnancy and STI Statistics

  • Teen Pregnancy: In recent years, the teen pregnancy rate in the United States has seen a significant decline, with rates decreasing by 82% among teens aged 15-17 from 1989 to 2017​ (Office of Population Affairs). However, disparities persist, with higher rates among racial and ethnic minorities​ (CDC).
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): In 2022, more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the U.S​ (CDC). Adolescents aged 15-24 account for nearly half of the 20 million new cases of STIs each year​ (CDC).