Healthy Relationships and Economic Pathways

This research project was designed to explore three core questions (RQs). Research Question 1: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: Research Question 2: 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? Research Question 3: 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.