STEAM Safe School Project

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Safe School Project aims to reduce school violence and its impact on students who attend STEAM Academy and build a lasting and effective cross-sector project network and community of practice. The project service areas are La Mesa and Spring Valley communities located in County of San Diego, California. Intended beneficiaries are students who attend Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Academy at La Presa Middle School and their families. Secondary beneficiaries are personnel of Project Network members, including staff from applicant San Diego Youth Services, La Mesa Spring Valley School District, STEAM Middle School, and members of La Mesa Collaborative and San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition. There are two direct service activities: (1) student support groups offered on the school campus using evidence-based curricula (One Circle, Second Step, and/or 3rd Millenium) to subpopulations of students who are at risk for experiencing school and community violence, including those who are homeless, are English Language Learners, have a disability, or are members of a racial/ethnic minority; and (2) intensive, individualized case management to students who struggle with behavioral issues or who have been a victim of violence. These activities will be supported by Project Network planning, services coordination, and access to training on school violence prevention. The STEAM Safe Schools Project will be integrated as part of an evidence-based Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Framework, filling critical service gaps in Tier 2 and 3 offerings and supporting existing school safety planning, assessment, and staff education strategies.