Community Matters

Results: In 2011, the Safe School Ambassadors program was evaluated by an independent third party consisting of Dr. Alexander White of Texas State University, San Marcos, and Dr. Katherine Raczynski and Dr. Andy Horne of the University of Georgia, Athens. The multi-year evaluation found several statistically significant outcomes: - Increased rates of intervention in bullying incidents by Ambassadors; - Improved school climate among friends of Ambassadors, who also reported increased rates of intervention in bullying incidents by their peers; The evaluation also showed that when the program was implemented as designed, SSA schools showed suspension rates dropped 33%, while suspension rates in non-SSA schools increased 10% during the same years. This holds true for similar populations including large, inner city public schools. The 2011 evaluation led to a listing in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP). The SSA Program met NREPP’s requirements for review and has been independently assessed and rated for Quality of Research and Readiness for Dissemination. This confirms that the evaluation is from a reliable external source. Through the SSA program, individuals will benefit from a true and sustainable improvement in school climate at all participating schools as evidenced by: ‐ Decrease in bullying incidents, - Reduced disciplinary incidents such as suspensions and expulsions and time spent on disciplining students, ‐ Increases in self-esteem of chronically absent and often bullied students as evidenced through an increase in their attendance at school.

Programs: Student-centered, school safety and climate programs- peer to peer, bystander education programs; proven effective and scientifically based [Safe School Ambassadors has been listed in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices]. The programs include implementation and ongoing support/management of Safe School Ambassadors (SSA) programs, as a long-term solution to address an ever growing and evolving need. Aimed at prevention of violence and bullying, in its many forms, SSA engages and empowers students, k-12, and reestablishes school as a safe place for all children and youth.

School Climate Initiatives- Engage key education stakeholders (administrators, staff, parents, community and youth) in school climate improvements intended to create long-lasting systemic changes. These programs include: Whole School Climate audits, administrative trainings, staff development trainings, parent workshops, youth summits, SSA Training of Trainers, and program consultation. Key strategies of these programs including: program assessment and audits, group facilitation, trainer development, support for program improvements and stakeholder trainings.

Community Building & Outreach - Delivered keynotes, workshops & training sessions at conferences, symposia & other gatherings on the subjects of school climate, safety & violence prevention, starting & sustaining partnership, & engaging youth as resources in improving their schools & communities.