The "safety, outreach, and accessibility for resilience in schools (S.O.A.R.)" project at elwyn school aims to create a safer and more supportive learning environment by reducing school violence and…

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $1,000,000 Project Grant under the STOP School Violence Program (CFDA 16.839) to Elwyn of Pennsylvania and Delaware for the "Safety, Outreach, and Accessibility for Resilience in Schools (S.O.A.R.)" project. The primary activities of this 3-year grant, which began on October 1, 2024, include implementing the Ukeru Crisis Intervention Program to train 100% of staff in trauma-informed de-escalation techniques by March 2025 and aiming for an 80% reduction in restraint incidents by August 2027, introducing the Second Step Social Emotional Learning curriculum to improve student well-being, organizing regular student listening sessions, and hiring and training three student success specialists to provide tailored support to 100% of identified students facing barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability, and unmet mental healthcare needs. The project will serve 337 students from 63 school districts across Pennsylvania, with nearly 50% from urban areas like Philadelphia and Chester.

The "safety, outreach, and accessibility for resilience in schools (S.O.A.R.)" project at elwyn school aims to create a safer and more supportive learning environment by reducing school violence and mental health crises through evidence-based strategies and comprehensive support systems. The primary activities include implementing the ukeru crisis intervention program, introducing the second step social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, organizing regular listening sessions with student councils, and hiring and training student success specialists. The ukeru crisis intervention program will equip staff with trauma-informed crisis intervention and DE-escalation techniques, training 100% of staff by march 2025, and aiming for an 80% reduction in incidents of restraints by august 2027. The second step social emotional learning curriculum will improve students' social-emotional skills, fostering a positive school climate and enhancing student well-being. To address barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability, and unmet mental healthcare needs, three student success specialists will be hired and trained to provide tailored support to 100% of identified. The project will serve 337 students from 63 different school districts across pennsylvania, with nearly 50% from urban areas such as philadelphia and chester, PA.