SPC’s Bae-B-Safe Program Recognized in the Institute for Women's Policy Research Report

The St. Philip’s College (SPC) BAE-B-SAFE program was recently recognized in the Institute for Women's Policy Research Report (IWPR) titled, Serving the Sexual Reproductive Health Needs of Community College Students: Promising Practices to Promote Student Success. BAE-B-SAFE, a project of Healthy Futures of Texas (HFTX), is a program that aims to prevent unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among college-aged adolescents.

The report placed a spotlight on SPC's program for its effective practices in meeting community college students’ sexual and reproductive health needs. The research serves to inspire public dialogue, shape policy and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances and experiences. The report summarizes IWPR’s findings around various programs and their best practices for meeting program goals. It also discusses the importance of expanding sexual and reproductive health care access for community colleges and shares the challenges and opportunities in doing so.

“Over the past four years, I have worked closely with HFTX to create a campus environment that partners with faculty and encourages open conversations about sexual health. The primary purpose of BAE-B-SAFE is to provide factual information so that students can make well-informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Ultimately, this keeps students on track to graduate and reach their goals” said Tracy Watts, Grant Project Coordinator.

HFTX runs BAE-B-SAFE at four colleges within the Alamo Colleges District: San Antonio College, Palo Alto College, Northeast Lakeview College and St. Philip’s College. The program began by targeting schools with the highest need, as measured by rates of unplanned pregnancy. Entering its fifth year of operation, BAE-B-SAFE implements programming in 30-35 educational courses per semester, in addition to out-of-class sessions, presentations, and campus events. The program is federally funded through a Competitive Personal Responsibility Education Program grant and the Family and Youth Services Bureau of the U.S. Administration for Children and Families. 

The evidence-based program has revealed that teens find it challenging to seek out medical assistance. One way that BAE-B-SAFE is combatting this issue, is by referring students in need to the UT Health San Antonio - Robert B. Green Campus and the Dr. Robert L.M. Hilliard Center, both of which specialize in providing teen-friendly services.

To learn more about BAE-B-SAFE contact Tracy Watts, SPC’s BAE-B-SAFE Campus Coordinator at twatts8@ngskmc-eis.net, or click here.

Connect with SPC online on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.