This study reports assessment of motivational and perceptual components of a youth and community AIDS awareness education program, focusing on effectiveness across program sites. The design of this investigation was quasi-experimental, with two intervention districts and one control each, in Kenya and Tanzania. Methods included questionnaires administered to a large representative cross-section of program stakeholders from the various communities served. Groups included youth in all three designated age categories, parents, community leaders, and teachers and peer mentors. Treatment group means were significantly higher on outcomes than control groups, demonstrating strong and consistent motivational intervention effects. Qualitative data demonstrate differences in formation and clarity between treatment and control districts. Both data types indicate important effects in education and motivation that may be attributed to the program. Patterns of correlations highlight relationships among clusters of motivationally-related characteristics and perceptions of information. Direct attributions of action choice and commitment suggest directions for development of a motivational model for HIV risk reduction. (Contains 9 tables and 1 note.)