Project SOAR (Safety Outreach Accessibility for Resilience in Schools)

The "Safety, Outreach, and Accessibility for Resilience in Schools (S.O.A.R.)" project at Elwyn
School aims to create a safer and more supportive learning environment by reducing school violence and mental health crises through evidence-based strategies and comprehensive support systems. The primary activities include implementing the Ukeru Crisis Intervention Program, introducing the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum, organizing regular listening sessions with Student Councils, and hiring and training Student Success Specialists. The Ukeru Crisis Intervention Program will equip staff with trauma-informed crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, training 100% of staff by March 2025, and aiming for an 80% reduction in incidents of restraints by August 2027. The Second Step Social Emotional Learning Curriculum will improve students' social-emotional skills, fostering a positive school climate and
enhancing student well-being.

To address barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability, and unmet mental healthcare needs, three Student Success Specialists will be hired and trained
to provide tailored support to 100% of identified. The project will serve 337 students from 63 different school districts across Pennsylvania, with nearly 50% from urban areas such as Philadelphia and Chester, PA.