Skaggs Foundation has awarded a $7,500 grant to support the Pathways Education Project, an initiative designed to provide students in Stone and Taney counties with access to educational resources to combat domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). This grant will be used for education to empower our kids to use social media safely.
“Social media is a hot button topic in our living rooms, schools and even in Washington, D.C. Social media is not the enemy. Our kids and their parents just need some information on how to navigate it safely,” said Veloris Juneman, founder of The Pathways Project.
Russ Tuttle, founder of The Stop Trafficking Project®, is a widely recognized authority on this subject, using the BeAlert® Strategy via school assemblies designed to educate and empower students to be safer online. After many years of presenting their BeAlert® Strategy to more than 257,000 individuals, including more than 116,000 students, primarily in Kansas and Missouri, their proven strategy first presents to the adults in the community followed by age-appropriate presentations to students.
BeAlert® presentations utilize humor, authenticity and real facts about technology and how students can keep themselves and their friends safer online. “The influence of the news and popular media creates a very narrow view of how the vulnerability of our students is being exploited,” Russ says. “I’m not angry with kids and I’m not against technology. My mission is to tell students the truth and to tell them they don’t need to feel embarrassed, afraid, or ashamed to talk to an adult.”
The Pathways Education Project focuses on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills through education, collaboration and support. The funding from Skaggs Foundation will help provide access to additional support systems that guide students toward making their online life safer.
“We are incredibly grateful to Skaggs Foundation for their generous contribution,” said Veloris. “This grant will help us expand our efforts to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need.”
“Making a difference in Stone and Taney counties is at the heart of everything we do,” said Nyssa Berhorst, Skaggs Legacy Grant Administrator at Skaggs Foundation. “We’ve seen firsthand how each grant helps our neighbors, friends and families thrive. This work is about more than just funding, it’s about building a healthier, stronger community together.
The Pathways Project is excited to be able to bring this opportunity to Stone and Taney County districts, and the hope is that school districts will take advantage of the opportunity. Bringing this type of presentation to schools was one of the group’s first goals, and the Skaggs Foundation is helping make it a reality.
“At Skaggs Foundation, our mission is to strengthen the health and wellness of Stone and Taney counties,” said Meghan Connell, President of Skaggs Foundation. “Investing in our youth means investing in a healthier future for everyone here. We’re proud to partner with The Pathways Coalition, and we are excited to see the positive impact the Education Program will bring to our community.”
This grant comes at a time when schools are increasingly focusing on not only academic education but also the life skills necessary for students to understand how their actions can expose them to being exploited. Russ reminds adults, “It’s the role of parents/guardians and other responsible adults to proactively teach students to use technology safely and what to do when they feel unsafe.” The Pathways Education Project aligns with local and national efforts to improve educational outcomes and ensure all students have the chance to succeed.
About Pathways Project
Pathways’ mission is to end human trafficking in the Ozarks through education, collaboration and advocacy. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month. Please contact Pathways at info@pathwayspco.org for more information about the grant or how to get involved.
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