Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence: Penn Community Violence Prevention

The project, "Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence: Penn Community Violence Prevention" aims to reduce youth violence in Philadelphia schools. The project builds on the OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model through a series of structured, evidence-informed violence prevention activities in three middle schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The project aims to improve school capacity to prevent incidents of violence, enhance partnerships between school systems and community-based organizations, expand opportunities for family engagement, and improve communication between home and school.

Primary activities include implementing an adapted Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) curriculum, conducting comprehensive teacher training sessions, organizing school assemblies, and providing intensive case management for high-risk students, facilitated by trained outreach workers who will serve as mentors and provide personalized support. Community and family engagement will be a key component, with regular engagement sessions and the establishment of a community advisory board to guide programming. Ensuring a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, partners include the School District of Philadelphia's Office of School Safety and a variety of community-based organizations and service providers to support efforts. The setting for activities is Southwest Philadelphia, in areas of the city with concentrated disadvantage, including disparate rates of violence and crime compared to other parts of the city.

Expected outcomes include increased knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and beliefs around violence; reduced incidents of violence; and strengthened partnerships. The project will leverage local resources and partnerships with community-based organizations to enhance sustainability and ensure a holistic approach to addressing youth violence. Performance data will be collected and analyzed to assess the impact of the project. This initiative aims to create a safer, more supportive environment for all students, contributing to long-term improvements in school safety and student well-being.