Evaluating a curriculum to prevent the exploitation of children in urban schools

CE22-003 - Rigorous Evaluation of the READY to Stand Curriculum as a Tool to Prevent the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Urban Youth

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11120827

This study is looking at how well the READY to Stand program helps high school students and staff learn about and prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, by teaching them about healthy relationships and how to support each other in creating a safer community.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lincoln, United States)
Project IDNIH-11120827 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of the READY to Stand (RTS) curriculum, designed to educate high school students and school personnel about the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The curriculum includes psychoeducation on CSEC, training in healthy relationship skills, and resources for identifying safe individuals. Additionally, it incorporates modules on bystander intervention and promoting community norms against violence. The project aims to rigorously evaluate the RTS curriculum's impact and potentially disseminate successful strategies to other communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are high school students, particularly those from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds in urban settings.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in high school or who do not belong to the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of commercial sexual exploitation among vulnerable youth.

How similar studies have performed: While the RTS curriculum has not been previously evaluated, similar educational interventions have shown promise in preventing exploitation and violence in youth populations.

Where this research is happening

Lincoln, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.