AKSafe: Collaborative Solutions for Safe, Healthy Schools

Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) proposes the AKSafe project to address safety challenges in Alaskan school communities, including bullying, violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide. The objective of the AKSafe project is to reduce violence and improve mental health support across 18 underserved school districts. Project activities include implementing anonymous reporting systems, providing culturally responsive restorative practices training, offering Mental Health First Aid training, and supporting the development of comprehensive school safety plans. These trainings will prioritize stakeholder collaboration. While the primary audience is school staff, invitations will also be extended to students, law enforcement partners, and community members involved in school safety. Additionally, the project will launch the Alaska Victim Assistance Partnership website for mass violence prevention and response. Expected outcomes are improved reporting of and response to safety concerns, enhanced school climate, increased mental health support capacity, and strengthened emergency preparedness. The project will benefit 33,400 students, as well as school staff, law enforcement officers, and community members in rural and historically marginalized communities, fostering a safer and healthier school environment.