Thesis: This article will illustrate the benefits of AIDS education by discussing the nine characteristics of effective HIV education programs, community-based HIV education HIV and HIV programs involving parents. Nearly every state in America promotes some form of sexuality and HIV education through mandates or recommendations. According to an article titled "Sex Education in America's Public Schools," 47 states require or encourage teaching about human sexuality, and 48 states require or encourage teaching about HIV/AIDS. Although these statistics suggest that sexuality and AIDS education is widely available in American schools, the quality and comprehensiveness of this education can vary widely. In some schools, HIV and sexuality education teachers are prohibited from mentioning topics such as sexual intercourse, homosexuality or condoms. . (SIECUS Internet) In contrast, a comprehensive HIV and sexuality education program provides a comprehensive and accurate curriculum that examines topics such as human development, sexual behavior and health, relationships, and society and culture. This type of program explains the facts about HIV and sexuality and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations on the part of students. Less than 10% of American students receive comprehensive sex education throughout their school years. (SIECUS Internet) This article will discuss the characteristics of a successful and comprehensive HIV and sexuality education program that is so needed in our schools today. It will also look at community and parent/child programs that are also available. As reported by The AIDS Knowledge Base, the Division of Adolescent and School Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a major "Classroom Research" initiative in which it rigorously studies the evidence for the effectiveness of programs to reduce risky sexual behavior. (SIECUS Internet) It then supports the adoption of these programs in schools and communities. So far, four study programs have been identified as having particularly strong evidence of success. The four programs are: Being a Responsible Adolescent, Being Proud and Responsible, Awareness of AIDS and Reducing the Risk. (SIECUS Internet) According to the article "Adolescent HIV Prevention," these four and other successful programs share nine characteristics that make them such a thriving AIDS and sex education program. In the following paragraphs, I would like to examine the nine characteristics of a successful school program, the two current comprehensive community-based HIV education programs, and HIV education programs for parents and their families. The first characteristic of an effective program is that it clearly focuses on reducing sexual behaviors that lead to unwanted pregnancy or HIV infection.