Teens Get the Facts: Library and Health Group Team Up for Sex Ed

In Trenton, a unique partnership is making a difference in teen health education. The Trenton Public Library and Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey have joined forces to bring sex education to local teens. This isn't just any old talk. It's a program called "Spill the T. E. A. " (Teen, Education and Advocacy). It's all about giving high school students the tools to talk about important stuff like relationships, media, and, yes, sex. The library's young adult services head, Stephanie Hampton, saw a need in the community. She wanted to make sure teens had access to reliable information. So, she reached out to Planned Parenthood. That's how the "Spill the T. E. A. " program came to the library. High school students in the program become peer educators. They give presentations on all kinds of topics. And they're not alone. A staff member from Planned Parenthood is always there to make sure the facts are straight.The program has been going strong since 2022. It started with a small group of students. Now, they've reached over 3, 000 people in Mercer County. They've done workshops, one-on-one talks, and even teamed up with other local groups. The goal? To give teens the information they need to make smart choices about their health. But it's not just about the facts. The program also helps students build leadership skills. They learn how to communicate effectively and advocate for themselves and their peers. It's a win-win. Teens get the information they need. And they also gain valuable skills for the future. The library hosts these presentations regularly. The next one is on January 15th. If you're a teen in Trenton, this is your chance to learn from your peers. And if you're a parent or educator, it's a chance to support teen health education. Check the library's website for details.