CSUSM Receives STI Prevention Grant

Cal State San Marcos is one of seven schools selected by the American College Health Foundation, which received educational grant funding from Hologic, as part of the 2025-26 STI Prevention and Testing (SPT) Mini Grant Program.

The grant will fund the creation of the Cougars Sexpert Station, a name voted on by CSUSM students, which will be a mobile outreach station hosting monthly information stops across campus.

“This mobile station run by HOPE peer educators will provide CSUSM students access to free safer sex supplies, STI testing information and birth control resources, empowering students to make informed choices about their sexual health,” said Cathy Nguyen, coordinator of health promotion at CSUSM.

Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS) also will launch a digital awareness campaign on social media and the SHCS website, and a print and digital STI resource guide will be distributed to students living in campus housing.

SHCS will utilize the grant to expand its efforts in STI (sexually transmitted infection) education and prevention through peer education, community partnerships and inclusive health promotion. STI testing is available through SHCS for all currently enrolled students who have paid the university’s health fee. Testing is done by licensed medical professionals in a confidential and supportive environment.

The SPT Mini Grant Program offers financial support to institutions that aim to enhance access to STI education, prevention and testing services on their campuses. More than 40 institutions submitted proposals for the grant.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314