Prevention Through Education Program

Prevention Through Education delivers age-appropriate safety education to students in every Muskegon County school—pre-K through high school—on personal body safety and abuse prevention, bullying and conflict management, internet safety, human trafficking awareness, and the realities of teen pregnancy. Lessons are provided in person (with video options when needed), and adults across the community receive Stewards of Children® training to prevent, recognize, and respond to abuse. When students disclose harm, staff immediately connect them to the Children’s Advocacy Center for forensic interviews, medical exams, and counseling. Recent results show strong learning gains: ~91% of students can demonstrate a new personal safety behavior, ~90% report a new coping skill, 95% of high schoolers report learning something useful, and 98% of trained adults adopt at least one new protective behavior.

Why it supports United Way’s mission:
This proactive, countywide, school-based model removes cost and transportation barriers—especially for ALICE families—while advancing United Way of the Lakeshore’s Healthy Families/Mental Health priorities. By equipping children and caring adults with concrete skills and clear reporting pathways, the program strengthens community safety, reduces trauma, and helps students stay engaged in school. United Way funding keeps prevention universal each year and sustains the direct pipeline to CAC services when intervention is needed, uniting schools and community partners to build a safer, healthier Muskegon for every child.