Resources & Training
On Frequency: Ongoing Program Review & Updates
At least every three years, or as needed, we review Pulse and make the appropriate updates and improvements, including:
- Medical accuracy updates
- Language and pedagogy updates
- Alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices
- Alignment with trauma-informed practices and inclusive best practices
We completed the most recent review and updates in early 2026.
On Tempo: Recruiting for Pulse
Pulse is self-directed, meaning users browse and complete its content on their own time. This asynchronous access removes the burden of having a trained facilitator available. But this also means you need a plan to get your intended audience to go to Pulse and use it.
So, let’s talk about recruitment…
We recruited young people for our randomized control trial using social media. However, we also understand that Pulse and digital interventions derived from and inspired by Pulse may benefit from different implementation and facilitation models. These allowable adaptations may include recruiting participants in school and community settings rather than online.
If you do recruit your intended users online, we have some recommendations and considerations to get you started.
Online Recruitment Recommendations & Considerations
It's work.
Program, copywriting, graphic design, and digital advertising skills are essential.
Avoid stock photography.
Ads that feature illustrations or photographs of real people often perform better than those that rely on stock photography.
Be concise.
Ads that feature less information perform better than those with extraneous information.
Be clear.
Ads that feature a simple ask with an incentive highlighted perform best.
UX matters.
All ads, websites, and apps users are served should feel seamless with consistent branding and minimal taps/clicks to complete the desired goal (e.g., complete a survey, sign up with an email, etc.).
Targeting isn't perfect.
Ad platform targeting only approximates demographic markers, such as age, race, and ethnicity. Especially if you're working with strict demographic requirements, consider an online screener (i.e., a simple survey tool), too.
Platform follows audience.
We often find Instagram the most cost-effective recruitment channel for adolescents and young adults. However, for other audiences, including Latinx and LGBTQ+ audiences, it's often other channels, such as Facebook or dating apps.
Iterate, iterate, iterate.
Ads get stale. Keep A/B testing throughout the recruitment process.
Pivot.
When all else fails, throw it all out and start fresh.
Resources for Online Recruitment
Pulse, an App in Action
Selling Sexual Health
Recruiting? Facebook can help
Likes, Tweets, and Hashtags: Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Recruitment
Not sure where to start or how to get your young people to check out Pulse? We can help with that!
Rhythm in Reach: Doing Pulse
So, who’s Pulse for?
Pulse was designed for and tested with mostly Black and Latinx young women, and it was proven effective in that population. That said, it can work more broadly; however, it’s important to note that we don’t have the same rigorous evaluation for other groups. That said, we have tested a similar program with younger youth—ages 14 to 16—and found that to be effective as well.
No matter who you’re working with, one of Pulse’s biggest strengths is that it’s completely self-directed—no facilitator required. Young people can use it independently, choosing the topics that matter most and moving at their own pace.
But that doesn’t mean adults and organizations don’t have a role to play.
- Clinics might add a QR code to their intake forms or posters, so young people can explore the app while they wait.
- Schools might purchase access and make it available during health or physical education classes or use it to complement classroom instruction.
- In community or faith-based spaces, you might hold small-group sessions where everyone explores the app individually, then comes together to discuss what stood out.
And of course, we know that you’ll think of even more creative ways to bring Pulse into your work. There’s no one-size-fits-all model—but there’s almost always a way in.
Regardless of your setting, if you need more help figuring out how best to implement Pulse for your community, we are here for you.
On Loop: Training & Technical Assistance
We’re here to help you every step of the way as you implement Pulse in your community.
Technical Assistance
When you purchase access to Pulse, you also receive a set number of hours of included technical assistance (TA) or support, with the option to add on more hours if desired.
We offer a range of proactive and reactive technical assistance (TA) and coaching.
TA may be structured as informal individual or group sessions, taking place in person (via site visits), on the phone, or online, over a set period of time. TA helps build skills, increase knowledge, and change attitudes.
TA might look like guidance on possible facilitation or discussion techniques, advice on handling adaptation requests, or support in managing implementation challenges.
Please note that there are fees for technical assistance.
Training
Because there’s no facilitator, no training is required to implement Pulse. However, we know that sometimes you’re looking for additional professional development or other support so you’re ready when young people come to you with questions.
We offer a wide array of trainings on adolescent sexual and reproductive health topics, or we can customize a training tailored to fit your unique needs.
Please note that there are fees for trainings.
Encore: About Our Training & TA
Don’t just take our word for it! Check out what some of our past participants have to say about attending a training.
Getting in the Groove: Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve got the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Pulse. Still have questions? Let’s chat!
Pulse Content
Is Pulse medically accurate?
Yes. Pulse underwent a rigorous external medical accuracy review as part of its development. This process ensured that all health information presented is medically accurate, inclusive, and in line with current best practices.
Most recently, in 2026, we completed another review of all Pulse content to ensure it continues to be medically accurate, inclusive, and in line with best practices.
Is Pulse LGBTQ+ inclusive?
Pulse was specifically designed with cisgender Black and Latinx young women in mind. That said, we made a deliberate effort to avoid language that excludes other identities.
While Pulse doesn’t explicitly address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ young people, it includes information that is sensitive and relevant to many and acknowledges that sex and gender exist on spectrums.
Is Pulse comprehensive or aligned with national/state sex ed standards?
Pulse offers medically accurate and engaging content on key topics like contraception, STIs, and healthy relationships. Pulse is not a full replacement for comprehensive sex ed, but it serves as a strong supplemental tool backed by evidence.
Does Pulse include all the content a young person should know about sexual health?
Pulse provides a wide range of self-guided, youth-friendly content that young people can explore based on their interests and needs. Pulse was not designed for full consumption in one sitting; instead, it allows users to navigate content most relevant to them.
Can Pulse be used alongside other evidence-based interventions (EBIs) or community programs?
Absolutely. Pulse is flexible and can be used as a standalone tool or integrated into other educational efforts. Some partners can use specific parts of Pulse to complement existing curricula.
Implementation & Access
How do I implement Pulse in my program/community?
All you need is a web-enabled smartphone or tablet and internet access. Pulse runs in a browser—no downloads required—and is easy to implement with high fidelity. Reach out to us to talk through what implementation could look like for you.
Do young people need to complete all of Pulse?
Not at all. Pulse was designed for self-directed use—young people can explore what’s most relevant to them, when and how they choose. It’s about meeting them where they are.
What types of adaptations are allowed with Pulse?
We welcome conversations about adapting Pulse, but we recommend reaching out to us directly so we can better understand what you have in mind. That way, we can help you think through the options and guide you while maintaining the integrity of the intervention and its evidence base.
Can specific parts of the app be blocked or hidden for certain users?
Not at this time. Pulse is designed as an open-access experience, where users can explore content that feels most relevant to them. That said, we’d love to learn more about your needs—there may be creative tailoring solutions we can explore together.
How can my colleagues or I test it out?
Reach out to us! We’d be happy to provide limited access to Pulse for review and testing.
How do I get funding to implement Pulse?
Pulse has a strong evidence base and aligns with how young people prefer to engage with content. We’re happy to help you think through how to position Pulse in a proposal or with funders—just reach out.
Theory & Evidence
What behavior change theory is Pulse based on?
Pulse is grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, which focuses on changing attitudes, social norms, and perceived control over control. It also incorporates strategies to build self-efficacy through interactive and relatable media.
Is there evidence that Pulse works?
Yes. A randomized control trial led by Child Trends with over 2,000 participants showed that Pulse users had more accurate contraceptive knowledge, were more likely to use birth control, and felt more confident about using contraception consistently.
Updates & Customization
Are there plans to update Pulse?
Yes, we review content annually to ensure relevance and technical performance. Because much of Pulse includes rich media like videos and comics, frequent updates to those elements are not always feasible, but we are committed to keeping Pulse timely and effective.
Is Pulse available in Spanish?
Pulse was tested in Spanish, and while the current version is in English, we’d love to discuss options for making a Spanish version available in the future.
Add to Playlist: More Resources
Looking for resources you can use now as you prepare to facilitate or recruit for Pulse? We’ve got you covered!
Words Matter
Language shapes our world, and the words we choose can build bridges or barriers. That’s why, across fields and industries, experts agree: Words matter. Using inclusive language shows we care about the unique communities around us and expresses a dedication to remaining in relationships with them. Words Matter: A Guide to Inclusive Language for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health provides you with practical, real-world strategies to use inclusive, affirming language.
Sex Ed 101 for Educators
Sex Ed 101 for Educators has 14 lessons to cover the basics of what you need to know. Go through all 14, or pick and choose what works best for you. Review the units in any order, at your own pace. With each lesson, we identify the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education topics and indicators addressed, so you can get the professional development you need to continue to build your sex ed facilitation skills.
It’s Unique Beat: Core Components
Pulse‘s core components include its content, pedagogy, and implementation.
Content
Pulse features a wide range of diverse media, including short live-action videos, animations, comics, audio conversations, self-assessments with tailored responses, brief text, and interactive graphics.
Pulse content…
- Includes information that is comprehensive, medically accurate, culturally sensitive, LGBTQ+-sensitive, and linguistically appropriate;
- Addresses general knowledge on sexual health;
- Addresses common attitudes, social norms, and behavioral expectations; and
- Builds basic skills and self-efficacy in contraceptive and condom use.
Pedagogy
Pulse uses self-directed, interactive web content that users can consume independently. It shares succinct content and relatable media, using humor when appropriate, to convey complex health information.
It also offers linkages to local sexual and reproductive health clinics and providers, and programmable reminders for effectively using contraception and remembering appointments.
Implementation
Pulse provides online content via a web app, ensuring near-100% fidelity in program implementation.
Pulse is best viewed on a mobile phone or tablet (not on a large laptop or computer screen). Users do not need to download any program, app, or plugin to view the content.
To access Pulse, users get unique logins, and all login information is stored outside of the web app, ensuring private and confidential browsing.
Feel the Pulse: Get It Now
Pulse is available now for you to license and implement in your community. When you license Pulse, you receive:
Quick & Easy Invitations
Use the admin dashboard to quickly invite young people to Pulse.
Actionable Engagement Insights
See how young people are using Pulse with clear, aggregated reports on the admin dashboard.
Full Year of Access
Enjoy continuous access for 12 months—no interruptions.
Built-In Expert Support
Our team supports you with onboarding and answers along the way, with technical assistance hours included and the option to add more as needed.
Interested in implementing Pulse in your own community? Curious about Pulse customization and adaptations?
Whether you’re ready to buy now or you’ve got questions first, let’s start the conversation. We are here to help!
All Ears: Quick Look
Pulse is a web-based mobile health app that uses interactive, multimedia features to support healthy sexual behavior.
Sex-Positive & Culturally & Age-Appropriate
Sexual & Reproductive Health Intervention
Self-Led
100% Web-Based & Mobile-Optimized
Built with Behavior Change Theory
Proven Effective, Evidence-Based, & Eligible for Replication
Mic Drop: Pulse Works
Pulse is proven effective and is widely recognized as an evidence-based program in the Teen Pregnancy Evidence Review (TPPER): Evidence-Based Program.
To evaluate Pulse, we worked with our research partners at Child Trends on a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Between 2016 and 2019, over 2,000 mostly Black and Latinx young women aged 18–20 participated.
So, what did we learn? Well, we learned that Pulse works.
Learn more about the behaviors Pulse has been proven effective at changing in our evaluation reports and related resources.
Greater knowledge about contraception
Greater self-efficacy on using contraception
Less unprotected sex
(sex without a hormonal/LARC Method)
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