The Mpowerment Project

The Mpowerment Project[1] is a model community building and HIV prevention program designed specifically to address the needs of young adult gay/bisexual men ages 18 – 29.

[2] The program has been developed, evaluated, and continually refined by prominent behavioral scientists from the University of California, San Francisco's Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, the largest research center in the world dedicated to social, behavioral, and policy science approaches to HIV.

[citation needed] The Mpowerment Project uses outreach, a drop-in center, and community-building efforts to strengthen young gay men's self-esteem, positive relationships, and social support.

Kegeles and Hays received a second five-year grant from the NIMH to further develop the program for use in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. Dr. Greg Rebchook, a research psychologist who had worked at a department of public health and at a community-based organization, joined the team in 1996.

[2] The Core Group consists of 10-15 members[2] who represent the demographics of that particular project's local gay and bisexual men's community.

Consisting of members of the LGBT community, the CAB provide relevant advice for the Core Group and volunteers of GBT young adults.