The College Sex Ed Classic
Need a breather after Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday scrolling? Relax and marvel at college sex ed at its best. The Sex Ed Classic, inspired by The Daily Beast’s Top 20 list, doles out well-deserved kudos to the schools with the best sex ed programs. These colleges don’t rely on a measly handful of classes in the course catalogue. No, my friend–this is the best of the best. If sex ed were a club, these colleges would be VIP. If sex ed were the Olympics, these colleges would bring home the gold. If sex ed were the Grammys, these colleges would be Beyoncé with her six wins in one night. I think you get the point. Corny metaphors aside, all 20 schools deserve our attention for not shying away from sex–it’s everywhere. However, some schools are the crème-de-la-crème amongst others.
The Contraceptive Cup: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
My school is notorious for the small fishbowl of LifeStyles that appears in almost every dormitory every Friday night (hey, it’s a start). The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign definitely has us beat, boasting 17 types of birth control pills for under $10 a month at their health center. Not only do they offer dirt-cheap birth control, but UIUC earned top marks for STI testing, HIV testing, availability of anonymous advice, and condom availability. Go, Fighting Illini!
The Prevention Prize: University of Iowa
If you know anything about Bedsider, you know that we only want folks to have babies if/when they’re good and ready. Our new heroes at the University of Iowa agree. Avoidthestork.com, a tongue-in-cheek website launched to “help Iowans between 18 and 30 plan the right time for a delivery,” is hilarious and helpful.
Testing Trophy: University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Daily Beast gave the University of Wisconsin-Madison a 10 out 10 for their STI testing. We agree. STI testing at the university’s Sexual Health Clinic is completely free for students and dirt cheap for residents in surrounding areas. Their easy-to-read guide on What to Expect at a Sexual Health Clinic Appointment makes us feel better about our appointment jitters, too.
Health Center Hours Honor: Brown University
The unexpected is always expected to happen in college. Brown University Health Services understands that. Their health center, lab, X-ray center, and pharmacy are open seven days a week–almost unheard of! The 24/7 nurse hotline is simply icing on top of a huge, availability-stuffed cake.
The “Cool Site” Silver: Columbia University
Columbia University tops DB’s list for a reason. Their sexual assault programs and condom availability alone earn them an A+, no doubt. But we love, love, love their signature website, Goaskalice.com. Alice knows about everything from bongs to bras. Her honest advice about sexuality and sexual health is like listening to an older friend or a wise family member.
Are you feeling kind of Kanye about our mini awards show? Chime in and let us know why your college could’ve made the cut.
“Trophy II” image by Patrick Gage.
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Khalea Underwood is an intern for the digital media team of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. When she’s not writing, shopping, or listening to music, the Howard University print journalism student moonlights as an older sister, a contributor for MTVIggy.com, and a copy editor for The Hilltop newspaper.