Project SHAPE
Sexual Health and Peer Education
Project SHAPE is a peer education program that offers sexuality education and sexual health promotion. More than 120 programs and exhibits are provided for the University community including student groups, residential students, and academic classes. In addition, we facilitate a number of awareness weeks such as World AIDS Week and Mixin’ Up the Sex Week as well as co-sponsoring Sex Sense Week and making substantial contributions to Middle Earth’s Sexuality Week. We routinely sponsor Latino HIV Awareness Day and take part in the National Black AIDS Awareness Day. Community service projects include educational programs in area high schools and local youth agencies such as Equinox, Glenmont Job Corps, NYS Museum Club, and Boys and Girls Clubs.
Project SHAPE programs are offered by the 30 to 40 student members who complete a credit-bearing academic training course on sexuality. Students are supervised by the Director of Project SHAPE who is the Coordinator for Health Promotion at the University Counseling Center. She holds a graduate degree in sexuality and has also studied sexuality in Europe and Russia.
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Our Approach
We believe that college students as well as persons at every life stage have the right to balanced, medically accurate sexuality education and resources presented in a manner that is relevant to and respectful of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultures. Accurate information and accessible services empower students to explore their values and make sound decisions about their health and sexuality. For this reason, we strive to create an environment in which student questions and concerns are addressed honestly and without judgment.
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Request a Program
The Project SHAPE: Sexual Health and Peer Education program offers a variety of interactive workshops on sexual health topics that provide current information, teach skills necessary to adopt healthy behaviors, and connect students with appropriate resources both on and off campus.
For Resident Assistants and Student Groups
Why not liven up your next meeting or program with one of the offerings in Project SHAPE's repertoire of programs!
For Faculty: Don’t Cancel that Class!
If you have to be out of town during an assigned class period rather than canceling your class, consider offering one of Project SHAPE’s programs as a guest lecture instead!
For Staff Who Coordinate Programs for Students
An informative and interactive SHAPE program can be a part of your next event.
Requesting a program is easy! Simply contact Carol Stenger, Director of Project SHAPE and Coordinator for Health Promotion at (518) 442-5800 or cstenger@uamail.albany.edu.
For a list of Workshops and Film Programs click here.
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Get Involved
How can I get involved?
Undergraduate and graduate students can apply to become a Project SHAPE volunteer member. Selection is done once a year; interviews are conducted in April. The selection process consists of an individual interview with the Director of Project SHAPE and a group interview conducted by the Project SHAPE Executive Board. Applicants will be notified by mail in early May of their status.
To obtain a copy of the application, click here. Applications can also be picked up at the University Counseling Center beginning in the spring semester. Applications can be sent electronically to: cstenger@uamail.albany.edu. Applications can also be turned in or mailed to:
Carol Stenger, M.Ed. & M.A.
Director, Project SHAPE
University Counseling Center
400 Patroon Creek Blvd., Suite 104
University at Albany
Albany, New York 12206
Will I be trained?
Training is provided through an accredited undergraduate course in human sexuality, ECPY 311. Undergraduate members can earn 3 credits for this course which is required training for all Project SHAPE members and is taken in the fall semester.
What kind of time commitment is involved?
Project SHAPE members commit to one year involvement in the program. Most members return for additional years however. Each semester, Project SHAPE members are responsible for doing a minimum of 2 educational programs and 5 exhibit hours to maintain membership. There are also optional committees to become involved with such as the World AIDS Week Planning committee, the Community Service/Fundraising Committee, the Mixin” Up the Sex Week Planning Committee, and more.
Graduate Assistantship
Click here for more information.
