News Summary
Vanguard University has introduced the ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids’ program to raise awareness about human trafficking among high school students in Orange County. This three-year initiative, supported by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, empowers peer educators to engage students on the dangers and signs of human trafficking. By addressing issues like labor trafficking and grooming techniques, the program aims to elevate awareness and encourage open discussions among youth. Key partnerships and extensive training for educators highlight the crucial role of community involvement in this important initiative.
Orange County, CA – Vanguard University has launched a new initiative aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking among high school students in Orange County. The “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program is a three-year initiative spearheaded by Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and Justice, with support from an $825,000 grant provided by the Samueli Foundation. This program underscores the alarming reality of human trafficking, particularly in a region often considered safe.
The program is driven by peer educators from Vanguard University, particularly those involved in the “Live2Free” awareness club. These educators are responsible for presenting the curriculum in local public schools, equipping students with knowledge about the various aspects of human trafficking. This training enables them to discuss sensitive topics, such as labor trafficking, sex trafficking, “sextortion,” and grooming techniques commonly used by traffickers. The Huntington Beach Union High School District has been a key partner in supporting the launch and expansion of this significant program.
On March 28, 2025, Vanguard peer educators conducted a presentation for Leonard Ibarra’s health class at Westminster High School. The session included role-play scenarios designed to help students identify warning signs of unsafe interactions, such as inappropriate communications from authority figures. This hands-on approach allows students to grasp the realities of potential threats they may face in everyday situations.
Data from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force’s 2023 report reveals a staggering statistic: minors make up two out of five sex trafficking victims in the region. Female minors account for 32% of identified victims, while male minors represent 4%. The stark figures highlight the urgency of increasing awareness among youth in Orange County.
To prepare for their roles, Vanguard peer educators completed 40 hours of training for the “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program. This extensive training equips them to relate to high school students effectively, as college students often resonate better with younger audiences, making them more receptive to the material being presented. Supporting activities, including participation incentives such as candies, have been incorporated to encourage engagement and learning among students.
Ibarra, a health class teacher, has expressed the importance of awareness regarding the risks of running away from home or engaging in unhealthy relationships. Students are actively encouraged to provide feedback discreetly on the presentations, creating an environment where they can voice their concerns and discuss potential issues with their teachers.
The decision to expand this program comes in light of past experiences in the community, including a case from 2002 where the first identified human trafficking victim in Orange County was an Egyptian girl who endured two years of enslavement in Irvine after being smuggled into the U.S. Shyima Hall, a victim from that case, began speaking out against human trafficking more than two decades ago, adding a personal and historical context to the necessity of such educational initiatives.
The “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program at Westminster High School represents a significant step within a larger effort to educate students on the risks of human trafficking and the importance of prevention measures. With peer educators leading the initiative and community support backing the program, Vanguard University is taking essential steps to foster a safer environment for the youth in Orange County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanguard University Celebrates Graduation and New Initiative
Explore the Diverse Beaches of Orange County
New Initiative Educates High Schoolers on Human Trafficking
Irvine Celebrates Vanguard University’s Graduation Ceremony
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Vanguard University Secures $900,000 Grant for Scholars Program
Vanguard University Launches Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program for Foster Youth
Vanguard University Unveils New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
Vanguard University Launches Human Trafficking Awareness Program
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Man Convicted of Human Trafficking of a Minor in Orange County
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- KTLA: Man Arrested for Allegedly Operating Brothel in Orange County
- Google Search: Human Trafficking Causes
- LA Times: Orange County Crime Victims Call for Changes in Laws
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking Prevention
- FOX LA: Brothel Discovered Irvine Human Trafficking Operation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
