School-related Programs

In past generations, bullying was considered a “rite of passage” into young adulthood – a harsh but accepted part of adolescence. Today, we understand that no child should be afraid to come to school and that anxiety and fear in the classroom only prevent learning from taking place. While educators play a significant role in bullying prevention, students are also an integral part of creating a kinder, more respectful school environment. In this engaging and interactive session, students will learn how to recognize bullying and will explore strategies for becoming an “upstander” – an individual who shows courage by supporting others who are being harmed. Show Less

In past generations, bullying was considered a “rite of passage” into young adulthood – a harsh but accepted part of adolescence.  Today, we understand that no child should be afraid to come to school and that anxiety and fear in the classroom only prevent learning from taking place. While educators play a significant role in bullying prevention, students are also an integral part of creating a safer, more respectful school environment. In this engaging and interactive session, students will explore how to recognize bullying, support their peers, and respond with courage. They’ll leave empowered with the knowledge that even a small act of bravery and kindness can make a real difference in someone else’s life. Show Less

Even our youngest students are growing up in a world where digital life feels just as real as life on the playground. From sharing family photos to watching videos online, kids are exposed to situations that can put their privacy and safety at risk. In this engaging and interactive session, students will learn the basics of online safety: what personal information should stay private, how to recognize when something doesn’t feel right, and why trusted adults are their best allies. Through simple examples, photos, and stories, students will discover how to spot red flags, understand that not everything—or everyone—online is real, and practice making safe choices when they use technology. Show Less

From viral posts to vanished privacy, today’s children are growing up online. With digital life starting earlier than ever, it’s now common to see elementary students using personal devices and having their own social media profiles. This interactive workshop explores the realities of the digital world and the lasting impact of their digital footprints. Students will examine the boundaries of free speech, the effects of cyberbullying and oversharing, and how everyday online choices can shape both their school experience and future opportunities. They’ll also learn how to think critically before they post, comment, or share—and how to navigate online spaces with confidence, empathy, and awareness. Show Less

While most social media platforms require a minimum age of 13 to create an account, research shows that almost 40% of tweens (ages 8 to 12) report using social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Discord and 64% watch online videos daily. This presents a host of safety concerns considering the prevalence of fake profiles, AI-altered images, and online scams. This interactive session, tackles the hidden dangers of digital life in an age-appropriate manner. Students will learn to spot red flags, protect their personal information, and recognize when something—or someone—isn’t what it seems. Practical tips and powerful stories will help students take control of their online safety and know what to do if something goes wrong. Show Less

From viral posts to vanished privacy, today’s teens live much of their lives online — but are they ready for the long-term consequences? This interactive workshop dives into the realities of the digital world and the power and permanence of their digital footprint. From the boundaries and limitations of free speech, to the challenges of cyberbullying, oversharing, and sexting*, students will examine how everyday online choices can affect their current school experience and their future opportunities. Students will learn how to think critically before they post, comment, or share, and how to navigate online spaces with confidence, empathy, and awareness.

*Note: Variations of this presentation are available that do not reference “sexting.”  Show Less

In a world of fake profiles, AI-altered images, and online scams, staying safe online has never been more important. This interactive session, tackles the hidden dangers of digital life: sextortion*, catfishing, privacy breaches, and manipulation through gaming platforms and social media. Students will learn to spot red flags, protect their personal information, and recognize when something—or someone—isn’t what it seems. Practical tips and powerful stories will help students take control of their online safety and know what to do if something goes wrong.

*Note: Variations of this presentation are available that do not reference “sextortion.” Show Less

Every day, students encounter choices that shape their health and well-being, making early empowerment essential. This session teaches children how to identify safe vs. unsafe substances, emphasizing the importance of checking with a trusted adult before touching or tasting unknown items. At the heart of the program is the S.T.A.R. strategy—Stop, Think, Act, Reflect—a practical decision-making tool designed to help students pause, evaluate risks, and consider consequences. Students will be introduced to age-appropriate refusal skills and healthy ways to cope with stress, helping them build the confidence to handle social challenges and make smart, safe decisions. Show Less

Making sound decisions under pressure can be difficult – especially when it comes to decisions about drugs and alcohol. This interactive workshop examines the realities of adolescent substance use and challenges common misconceptions about peer behavioral norms. Students will explore how substances impact the developing brain, focusing on why adolescence carries a heightened risk for addiction. The session also addresses the evolving nature of the illicit drug market and the specific factors that have made modern substances more dangerous. Students will be introduced to refusal skills and practical strategies like planning ahead for high-pressure situations. By the end of the session, students will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to choose healthier alternatives that protect their well-being and keep their future goals on track. Show Less

E-cigarette use amongst youth is a serious public health crisis. Nicotine is harmful to developing brains and young users are more likely to get addicted quickly. Despite the FDA’s attempts to crack down on misleading labels and youth-focused marketing, tobacco companies continue to expand their offerings to appeal to young people and to perpetuate the belief that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking. This program is designed to raise awareness with younger teens about the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction. Media literacy is introduced to encourage students to evaluate and understand messaging about e-cigarettes. Vaping consequences, which expand beyond just physical health, are explored and the program concludes with the message that the real cost of vaping is simply too high.

This session works best as part of a comprehensive, drug and alcohol prevention program. Show Less