The Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $1,785,773 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.839 STOP School Violence Program) to implement a program aimed at preventing school violence and improving school climate. The key activities of this three-year grant, running from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027, include:
Utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology to develop simulation-based, experiential learning for students, school resource officers, and law enforcement officers on scenarios related to racism, xenophobia, sexism, and sexual assault.
Creating a "STOP School Violence Platform" containing custom-developed educational and training resources on violence prevention, delivered to school districts in central Pennsylvania such as Schuylkill Haven Area School District and Pottsville Area School District.
Investigating factors contributing to cyberbullying and aggressive adolescent behavior to inform evidence-based interventions for stopping school violence and promoting safer, more inclusive school environments.
This grant award supports the Department of Justice's broader STOP School Violence Program, which provides funding to enhance school security, train students and staff on violence prevention, and implement other evidence-based approaches to improve school safety nationwide.