The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $999,992 Project Grant to School District 2 (Billings Public Schools (BPS)) under the STOP School Violence Program (CFDA 16.839). The goal of this 3-year award is to address youth violence, promote positive school climate, and increase community engagement in the Billings, MT area through the Culture of Care (CoC) program. Key products and services to be delivered include:
- Hiring two full-time CoC Specialists to work directly with students in six BPS middle schools and a full-time CoC Program Leader to coordinate training, support implementation, and engage stakeholders
- Expanding trauma-informed solutions and evidence-based programs like Rachel's Challenge and Hope Squad to build student skills in conflict resolution, resiliency, and peer-to-peer engagement
- Providing training for students, educators, and parents/guardians in areas such as conflict resolution and positive decision-making to improve student relationships, sense of belonging, and reduce violence
The grant aims to achieve outcomes like improved student-peer, student-teacher, and student-family relationships; enhanced student conflict resolution skills; and increased youth protective factors and resiliency to address conflict before it escalates.
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