THE BIG QUESTION:
WHY PROVIDE TEENS WITH SEX EDUCATION?
Iowa's only statewide organization devoted to adolescent sexual health,
serving communities since 1994.
What we offer
Explore inclusive, expert-vetted resources to support the sexual health of parents, teens, caregivers, and educators, and connect with our team for professional training and speaking services available in-person, on-site nationwide, and virtually.
STAY CONNECTED
Sign up for the First Monday Memo, our free monthly newsletter with resources, tips, and updates for anyone supporting the sexual health of young people.
BE A PART OF SOMETHING
Our conversation card game for youth and their trusted adults is available now in our shop for a limited time. Play Growing Sideways, share your feedback, and help us shape what this game will become.
NEARLY THIRTY YEARS OF EMPOWERING TEENS THROUGH BETTER SEX EDUCATION.
At EyesOpenIowa, we're dedicated to empowering individuals and communities with comprehensive sexual health education. we lead the way in providing high-quality, medically accurate information and services.
Our mission is to empower communities to provide young people with comprehensive sexual health information and services to make healthy and informed decisions about sex and relationships both now and in the future.
Our vision is a world where all adults are equipped to provide accurate and inclusive sexual health education, and where youth are empowered to take control of their own sexual health with confidence and knowledge.
HOW WE CAN HELP
At EyesOpenIowa, we believe everyone deserves access to accurate, inclusive sexual health information, and that starts with the people in young people's lives. Whether you're a parent looking for the right words, an educator ready to strengthen your practice, or a community advocate building something bigger, we're here for you.
Find What's Right for You
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
Sex Ed Starts at Home
You don't have to have all the answers to be the trusted adult in a young person's life, you just have to show up. Our free, 30-minute virtual sessions give parents and caregivers real language, practical tools, and the confidence to start (and keep) the conversation. New topics each month. No experience required.
FOR EDUCATORS & PROFESSIONALS
Professional Trainings & CSHE Certification
From free monthly Lunch-N-Learns to our full Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) program, EyesOpenIowa offers dynamic, research-based professional development designed to help you teach with confidence, connect with your students, and stand out as a trusted resource in your community.
FOR EVERYONE
Resources, Speaking & More
Looking for something to share with your school, your community, or your family? Browse our resource hub, book one of our expert speakers for an in-person or virtual session, or pick up Growing Sideways, our conversation card game designed to make family talks less awkward and more meaningful.
For Families
LiFT: Linking Families & Teens
LiFT brings teens and their trusted adults together for a retreat-style experience built around real connection, open conversation, and practical tools. Through games, guided discussions, and hands-on activities, families leave with stronger communication skills, and earn $100 or more per family for participating. All in a judgment-free space that is safe and welcoming for all.
Raising the Standard for Sex Education
Ready to build confidence, boost your skills, and stand out as a trusted, transformative educator?
EyesOpenIowa offers dynamic, inclusive, and research-based trainings designed for educators, health professionals, and advocates who are serious about leveling up.
Whether you're looking to earn your Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) certification, refresh your toolkit with real-world strategies, strengthen your professional resume, or gain confidence tackling tough conversations — you're in the right place.
All trainings are built to engage adult learners with actionable tools, peer connection, and expert-led instruction. New sessions are added regularly, many sell out fast!
Linking Families and Teens
What is LiFT?
LiFT is a fun, interactive experience where teens and their trusted adults build stronger connections, boost confidence, and earn how to navigate important conversations (including relationships, values, and sexual health)through games, guided conversations, and hands-on activities, families leave with practical tools they can actually use. All in judgment-free space that is safe and welcoming for all.
Is your family eligible?
For this program, a “family” has at least one teen (ages 13–19) and at least one parent/caregiver or trusted adult in attendance. Participants are welcome to have more than one teen and/or more than one adult sign up, but each family must include at least one of each.
Stronger conversations. Less awkwardness. Earn $100 or more per family. Join our Linking Families and Teens (LiFT) experience: a retreat-style program designed for teens and their trusted adults to connect, communicate better, and feel more confident talking about real-life topics.
WHAT’S COMING UP
UPCOMING PARENTING EDUCATION SESSIONS
June 29 — Awkward to Awesome: Core Skills
An in-person, one-day training held in the EyesOpenIowa Training Hall, located in our office in West Des Moines, Iowa, required for Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) certification. Learn to turn awkward moments into teaching opportunities, explore the National Sex Ed Standards, and discover how to align your teaching with them. Led by expert trainers, this session equips you to deliver inclusive, impactful sexual health education.
June 30 — Sex Ed Staples: Core Content
In-person, one-day training held in the EyesOpenIowa Training Hall, located in our office in West Des Moines, Iowa, required for Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) certification. It covers puberty, reproductive anatomy, protection methods, STD/STI prevention, and best practices for teaching. With follow-up asynchronous content, participants will gain core knowledge to confidently facilitate sexual health education.
UPCOMING PARENT/CAREGIVER & TEEN CONNECTION PROGRAMS
July 11 — Cedar Falls
Co-hosted with Four Oaks at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa
Free | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Lunch provided | Every attendee earns a $50 gift card. Spots are limited.
July 18 — West Des Moines
Hosted at EyesOpenIowa HQ
Free | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Lunch provided | Every attendee earns a $50 gift card. Spots are limited.
August 8 — Mason City
Co-hosted with Four Oaks at the Four Oaks Support Office
Free | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Lunch provided | Every attendee earns a $50 gift card. Spots are limited.
UPCOMING EDUCATOR TRAININGS
Free monthly Lunch-N-Learns, plus our signature core trainings!
REAL TALK. REAL CONNECTIONS.
Growing Sideways is a card game designed to make family conversations about life and growing up less awkward and more meaningful. Developed over years with real family feedback, it builds lasting trust and genuine connection through fun, engaging play.
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