June 24, 2025

Vanguard University Students Launch Human Trafficking Awareness Program

News Summary

Students from Vanguard University have initiated a human trafficking awareness program in local high schools, aiming to educate youth about trafficking dangers and suspicious behaviors. Supported by a grant from the Samueli Foundation, the program includes interactive presentations on various trafficking aspects. With incidents of trafficking persisting even in perceived safe communities, the initiative is designed to engage students effectively, fostering discussions around this critical issue. Following successful sessions at Westminster High School, plans are in place for further outreach across Orange County schools.

Orange County, CA – In a significant effort to combat human trafficking, Vanguard University students have launched a human trafficking awareness program in local high schools. The initiative, spearheaded by the university’s “Live2Free” club, aims to educate youths about the dangers of trafficking and how to recognize suspicious behavior. The program is part of a broader initiative called “Safe Communities, Safe Kids,” which was established last fall with a generous grant of $825,000 from the Samueli Foundation.

The first known human trafficking victim identified in Orange County was an Egyptian girl who was trapped in slavery for two years after being smuggled into the U.S. and forced to work for a couple in Irvine. Since then, the city has often been recognized as one of the safest in the country, yet incidents of trafficking persist. Acknowledging this issue, Vanguard University’s initiative has garnered support from local school districts, including the Huntington Beach Union High School District, with plans to expand into other educational institutions across the county.

The program is designed to deliver critical information about human trafficking to high school students through engaging presentations. Over a two-week period at Westminster High School, students participated in interactive sessions that covered various aspects of trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking. The curriculum also touched on issues such as “sextortion,” grooming tactics used by traffickers, and recognizing red flags in adult behavior that may indicate malicious intent.

Vanguard’s peer educators have undergone extensive training, totaling 40 hours, preparing them to effectively convey this important information to their peers. During the sessions, educators employed role-playing scenarios to illustrate potential dangers. For instance, a mock situation involved a male coach attempting to engage a female student-athlete in potentially inappropriate dialogue, prompting students to identify warning signs.

Statistics highlight the severity of human trafficking in the region, with female minor victims accounting for 32% of cases in Orange County, while male minor victims represent 4%. The urgency of increasing awareness is underscored by Vanguard senior Jasmine Allen’s remarks on the need for education in a community often perceived as safe.

Feedback mechanisms were implemented to ensure students could voice their thoughts on the presentations confidentially. Participants were encouraged to provide input using sticky notes alongside resource guides, fostering an open environment for discussion about the often uncomfortable subject matter.

The impact of the program has already been felt, with many freshmen expressing increased caution in their interactions after attending the presentations. For students who may find discussing such sensitive topics challenging, Westminster High School’s wellness center is available to provide mental health support.

To support engagement, students received incentives, including Jolly Rancher candies, during the sessions. This strategy aimed to enhance participation and create a relaxed atmosphere conducive to learning. Vanguard peer educator Coco McLeroy emphasized that their close age to high school students aids in making the material relatable and promotes a stronger connection with the audience.

As of April 10, 2025, the program at Westminster High School has concluded, but the initiative is set to continue its mission of raising awareness, with plans for further educational outreach in additional districts across Orange County.

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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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