New Initiative Educates High Schoolers on Human Trafficking

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Students learning about the signs and prevention of human trafficking in a classroom setting.

News Summary

Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice has introduced a program in Orange County to educate high school students about human trafficking. Funded by a grant, this initiative aims to raise awareness and prevention education in schools over three years. The program highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of trafficking, particularly as local statistics reveal that a significant number of victims are minors. Peer educators are facilitating sessions across multiple schools, including Westminster High, to cultivate a vigilant student body.

Westminster, California – A new program aimed at educating high school students about the growing issue of human trafficking has been introduced in Orange County. Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice has launched the “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” initiative, designed to raise awareness and provide prevention education in public schools over the next three years. Funded by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, the program aims to equip students with the knowledge to identify and respond to signs of trafficking.

The first identified human trafficking victim in Orange County was an Egyptian girl who was smuggled into the country and forced into servitude in Irvine for two years, highlighting the pressing need for education on this subject even in communities known for their safety. Although Irvine often ranks as one of the safest cities in the United States for its size, the reality remains that human trafficking can, and does, occur in these areas. Over the past two decades, awareness has grown, primarily through advocacy from survivors like Shyima Hall.

Vanguard University’s “Live2Free” club, which consists of peer educators, plays a key role in facilitating these educational sessions. Jasmine Allen, a senior communications major at Vanguard, underscores the critical importance of increasing awareness regarding human trafficking, particularly given the alarming statistics reported by the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force. Their 2023 Victim Report disclosed that two out of five sex trafficking victims are minors, with female minors making up 32% of all victims in the county.

As part of the program’s activities, Vanguard peer educators visited Westminster High School on March 28, where they presented vital information to students in Leonard Ibarra’s health class. The curriculum covered various aspects of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, as well as issues related to “sextortion” and grooming. During the presentation, educators enacted scenarios to demonstrate red flags, such as a male coach attempting to manipulate a female student-athlete.

Students reacted with surprise upon learning that certain grooming behaviors are not merely concerning but unacceptable at any level. The peer educators have undergone 40 hours of training to prepare them to effectively engage with high school students about these difficult topics. The second part of the presentation focused on identifying trusted adults and navigating relationships safely.

To encourage participation, students received Jolly Rancher candies, which served as a lighthearted incentive during the serious discussions about human trafficking and its consequences. Following the presentation, students were able to provide feedback and raise questions through sticky notes, which Ibarra collected for further discussion, allowing for follow-ups on any alarming disclosures made during the session.

Although the program has started in the Huntington Beach Union High School District, there are plans to expand into additional school districts across Orange County. Teachers like Leonard Ibarra affirm the necessity of this education, especially regarding the awareness of controlling relationships among young people.

The pilot program at Westminster High is set to conclude on April 10, 2025, with ongoing evaluations of its impact and effectiveness in educating students about the dangers of human trafficking. As the program progresses, Vanguard University and its peer educators hope to cultivate a more informed and vigilant student body capable of recognizing and responding to potential threats in their communities.