The purpose of the East Texas Abstinence Program (E.T.A.P) provides abstinence education to youth ages 12-18 by implementing community-based, abstinence-only education interventions designed to reduce the rate of births to teenagers, the proportion of adolescents who have engaged in sexual intercourse, and the proportion of adolescents who have engaged in risk behaviors, such as tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

This project provides global education and support for at-risk youth and youth demonstrating sexual resiliency and provides intervention activities for at-risk youth that include mentoring, counseling and adult supervised activities. In addition, the program develops community support to promote factors related to youth sexual resiliency. The program has five major components: Outreach, Engagement, Education, Community Development and Intervention. Intervention includes mentoring, after-school programs and parting support groups.

The East Texas Abstinence Program is the only provider of State and Federally funded abstinence services in Seven East Texas including; Gregg County, Smith, Harrison, Rusk, Panola, Marion and Upshur County.

E.T.A.P. collects Pre and Post questions from youth in 5th though 12th grades. A record of the number of youth entering the class is checked against the number of youth who completed the post survey. The goal for the number of youth served is 15,000-20,000 encounters. E.T.A.P. first received state funding in the fall of 1999, and in currently under a one year state grant and three year SPRANS federal grant.

Community Coalitions
The county coalitions are made up of adult and youth, who are working as a team to further the abstinence message. The many youth now serving are working together on many projects. The youth help design the media campaign. The youth are also trained to be mentors to peer groups. The parent/adult coalition is involved in moving the idea's into action. Many members are also trained to facilitate the curriculum and teach in community group settings.

Strategies
The five components of the abstinence education program are essential in completing the message.

The Media Blitz uses television, radio, newspapers, billboards, Internet, as methods to reach a mass teen audience. The coalition felt strongly about using local teens in all media productions for authenticity and to add a realistic flavor.

The second component of the program is a School-based Program called "FACTS" that is designed to be delivered by schoolteachers to students 5th through 12th grade.

The third component is a Community-based Program called "Choosing the Best" a 8-lesson curriculum is designed for youth 12 though 18 years old and their parents.

The fourth is the Youth and Adult coalitions working together to plan events, give presentation, and assist as mentors or co-facilitators.

The fifth is Special Events sponsored by the coalition such as Battle of the Bands; and Virginity Pledge Day or incorporating with other positive events in the area such as: Great Texas Balloon Race, Pumpkin Round Up or the Christmas Parade.

Personal Involvement
To be a youth or adult coalition member of East Texas Abstinence Coalition they must sign a membership contract and a virginity pledge. Attend coalition meetings once a month, and share ideas on moving this message forward.