Mission: PY1's mission is to increase precautionary awareness and individual responsibility with respect to HIV/AIDS through music, art, STEM and other media via educational events, programs and activities. PY1 strives to eliminate the taboos, myths and stigma associated with HIV, and to reduce risky behaviors and new infections.
Target demographics: Educate At-Risk Youth about HIV/AIDS/STIs
Direct beneficiaries per year: 100 At-Risk Youth scholars
Geographic areas served: Maryland and Washington DC, nationally and internationally.
Programs: Protect Yourself 1 has three complementary signature programs: Safe2Live Program – An HIV/STI awareness, education and prevention program that integrates dynamic health education and STEM skills acquisition in a student avatar-based virtual reality simulation. The Safe2Live curricula and content are certified and authorized by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Baltimore City Public Schools. Project Arrowhead – An award winning HIV and well being awareness, education and prevention program that incorporates health education, life skills and leadership development though horse husbandry, community gardening, nature education and physical challenge. The program strengthens disenfranchised youths abilities to achieve their potential through teamwork and collaboration. Be A Protector Campaign – A social media and distance learning campaign to promote environmental education and sustainability.
always professional and truly caring, PY1 goes the extra distance to really reach kids who need it most. I wish PY1 best of luck with developing their virtual world and game programs; as technology opens up new ways for kids to interact with the world and each other, it is super important to provide an informed presence, so kids can learn how to navigate the dangers of the world. PY1 makes this process fun!
very impressed with the professionalism and dedication of this group. nobody else is targeting these youth. well done, very much looking forward to what else they do.
As the Youth Services Director for United Planning Organization, located in Washington, DC, I was thrilled to have our early high school students participate in the PY1 Project Arrowhead program. The content was far greater than what I imagined when we originally signed up. The incorporation of yoga, horse training, ecology, and art provided our students with an unimaginable experience. They enjoyed themselves so immensely, that we decided to return the following year for an extended stay.
Our first group of students has recently graduated from high school and are off to college. We've since established our second program cohort and cannot wait to reconnect with JAR (the Horseman), Monique, and others as part of our program offering.
PY1 has been helpful and very prompt with services. They have encouraged and mentored Encouraging The World, a start up non-profit that received the same BMe 2013 Leadership Award as PY1 . They are dedicated to HIV awareness and building community. Go book a stay at the ranch! The horses are amazing!
