News Summary
Vanguard University has initiated ‘Live2Free’, an awareness program aimed at educating local high school students in Orange County about human trafficking. The program addresses labor and sex trafficking, engaging youth through peer educators and community insights. Supported by an $825,000 grant, ‘Live2Free’ promotes awareness and helps students identify risks through interactive lessons, discussions around manipulation tactics, and building healthy relationships. This initiative is particularly pivotal for a community like Irvine, known for its safety yet still facing the threat of trafficking.
Irvine—In a significant step toward combating human trafficking, Vanguard University has launched a new awareness program called “Live2Free” to educate local high school students in Orange County about human trafficking. This initiative aims to shed light on the realities of trafficking, including the less recognized aspects of labor and sex trafficking.
Shyima Hall, the first human trafficking victim identified in Orange County in 2002, serves as a historical reference point for this program. Originally from Egypt, she was enslaved by a couple in Irvine for two years after being smuggled from her home country. Since her rescue, Hall has become a vocal advocate against human trafficking, a cause that continues to resonate strongly within the community.
Jasmine Allen, a senior communications major at Vanguard, emphasizes the urgent need for such educational programs, especially in areas that are often viewed as safe, like Irvine. Despite its reputation as one of the safest cities in the United States, human trafficking remains a real threat that impacts the community, making this initiative all the more critical.
The “Live2Free” program is part of a larger initiative introduced by the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University, titled “Safe Communities, Safe Kids.” This three-year pilot project, which launched in the fall, aims to elevate awareness and education about human trafficking across public schools. The program has received substantial backing with an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation to fund its activities.
Peer educators from Live2Free are actively involved in presenting the program to local high school students, and they are compensated for their efforts through the grant. One district that has notably supported the rollout of this initiative is the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Recently, students at Westminster High School participated in health classes conducted by Live2Free peer educators, who fostered discussions around the dangers of labor and sex trafficking. Topics such as “sextortion” and grooming were also covered to help students better understand and recognize potential threats.
During presentations, educators presented relatable scenarios, such as a coach trying to entice a female student-athlete with food. This approach prompted students to discuss identifying red flags and recognizing behavior that could signify attempts at manipulation or exploitation. Feedback indicated that many students began to question previously accepted behaviors, such as inappropriate requests from peers.
According to the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force 2023 Victim Report, minors constitute two out of every five sex trafficking victims in the region; 32% of these victims are female and 4% are male. These statistics underline the urgency of informing local youth about these risks.
As part of the program, peer educators undergo an extensive 40 hours of training to prepare for their roles. The curriculum includes a second segment that focuses on building healthy relationships and recognizing trusted adults. To make sessions engaging, students are rewarded with Jolly Rancher candies, encouraging participation and interaction.
Health teacher Leonard Ibarra acknowledges the importance of raising awareness regarding controlling relationships and the potential dangers of running away. After the presentations, feedback collected from students suggests they left with a heightened sense of caution in their communications with peers and adults.
Students are offered the opportunity to anonymously submit questions or feedback about the presentation via sticky notes, allowing for confidential follow-up by their teachers. As of April 10, 2025, the initiative at Westminster High School concluded its initial two-week implementation and aims to expand into other districts across Orange County in the future, furthering the mission of increasing awareness of human trafficking.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Boat Capsizing Near San Diego Claims Lives
Orange Coast College Celebrates Mozart’s Requiem
Orange County Celebrates Six Outstanding Teachers of the Year
Vanguard University Launches Human Trafficking Awareness Program
Orange County Cities Crowned as California’s Safest
Vanguard University Addresses Human Trafficking in Schools
New Program Tackles Human Trafficking in Orange County Schools
New Program Launches in Orange County Schools to Combat Human Trafficking
Samueli Foundation Invests $15 Million to Combat Human Trafficking in Orange County
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Los Angeles County man arrested on allegations of human trafficking
- KTLA: Officers find missing girl, arrest human trafficking suspect in Los Angeles
- FOX LA: Brothel discovered in Irvine, human trafficking operation
- OC Register: Man convicted of human trafficking of a minor in Orange County
- LA Times: Orange County crime victims call for changes in laws
- Wikipedia: Human trafficking
- Google Search: human trafficking awareness program
- Google Scholar: human trafficking education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: human trafficking
- Google News: human trafficking changes in laws
