Project H.E.A.R.T.S.

Youth need relationships they can count on.

When young people understand consent, boundaries, and respect, they build relationships that uplift rather than harm. Our program gives them the tools to navigate friendships, dating, and decision-making with confidence and care.

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We foster skills that youth can use every day.

Identifying Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

No relationship is perfect, but abuse or regular unhealthy behavior isn’t okay. Youth learn to identify unhealthy relationships, exit them, and support friends who are struggling.

Self-Esteem

Youth dive into their uniqueness and self-worth to build a strong, healthy self-image so they can establish how they want to be treated in relationships and what kind of friend/partner they will be.

Digital Safety & Citizenship

Youth gain the skills to recognize online predators and grooming tactics, protect themselves from online bullying, and create a digital footprint they can be proud of.

Emotional Regulation

Youth level up their emotional skills for success in friendships and dating. They learn to recognize, express, and work through emotions in themselves and others.

Consent

Asking for and giving consent is an essential life skill at every age, in all kinds of situations. Youth learn that consent should be Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific (F.R.I.E.S.).

Communication

Healthy relationships depend on establishing clear boundaries and addressing relationship problems. Youth mature their relationship skills through communication strategies and assertiveness skills.

Age-appropriate curriculum

Our school programs currently serve 6th – 12th grade and choose appropriate grade-level language, scenarios, and activities to teach consent and help youth spot and respond to the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Project H.E.A.R.T.S. is approved and endorsed by the Frederick County Public School (FCPS) system.

 

Program Overview:

Previous Participant Feedback

“I felt that the whole program was very engaging and formative for students! My classes loved the competitions.”

FCPS TEACHER

“The real-life stories are extremely engaging for students.”

FCPS TEACHER

“Presenters did a great job asking questions that got students involved.”

FCPS TEACHER

“They made it easy to learn and understand our feelings and the effects of keeping your emotions in check and what happens when you don’t.”

YOUTH PARTICIPANT

“I liked how [the presenters] engaged with us and had different activities for us while informing us, instead of just reading words off the screen and making it boring.”

YOUTH PARTICIPANT

“I liked the way [the program] went into deeper forms of healthy and unhealthy relationships than just basic stuff.”

YOUTH PARTICIPANT

“I learned it’s okay to feel your feelings, and you shouldn’t feel guilty or wrong for it.”

YOUTH PARTICIPANT

Project H.E.A.R.T.S. served approximately 3000 youth in the 2024-2025 school year.

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Supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission. The views presented here are those of the grantee organization and not necessarily those of the Commission, its Executive Director, or its staff.