News Summary
Vanguard University has introduced a human trafficking awareness program called ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids,’ aimed at educating high school students in Orange County. Funded by a grant from the Samueli Foundation, the initiative involves peer educators conducting presentations on various forms of trafficking, addressing important issues such as grooming and sextortion. The program highlights alarming statistics from local reports, emphasizing the need for awareness among youth. The university plans to expand its outreach to other districts, underlining its commitment to combat human trafficking through education.
Orange County – Vanguard University has initiated a new human trafficking awareness program aimed at high school students in Orange County, responding to the pressing needs for education surrounding this critical issue. The program, named “Safe Communities, Safe Kids,” seeks to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking through educational presentations conducted by peer educators from Vanguard’s Live2Free club.
Funded by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, the program has already made impactful strides in local schools, such as Westminster High School, where presentations commenced on March 28. During these sessions, students learn about various forms of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, as well as important topics like “sextortion” and grooming. Peer educators, who have undergone 40 hours of training as part of this initiative, act out real-life scenarios to highlight red flags in potentially dangerous situations, making the information relatable for young audiences.
Research from the 2023 Victim Report by the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force reveals alarming statistics: two out of five sex trafficking victims in the county are minors, with female minors representing 32% of all identified cases. This underscores the importance of educating younger populations about safety and awareness. Vanguard University’s initiative acknowledges that despite Orange County being perceived as a safe environment, there exists a significant risk of human trafficking.
Notably, the groundwork for the program can be traced back to Shyima Hall, who was the first identified trafficking victim in Orange County in 2002. Hall was an Egyptian girl enslaved for two years in Irvine. Following her rescue, she became an advocate against human trafficking, which has likely inspired numerous awareness efforts in the region. Vanguard senior communications major, Jasmine Allen, emphasizes that such programs are vital as they illuminate the hidden nature of trafficking even in seemingly safe areas like Irvine.
The Huntington Beach Union High School District has been instrumental in supporting the launch of this program. As part of their outreach, peer educators from Live2Free returned to Westminster High for follow-up lessons that focused on establishing trusted relationships and identifying trusted adults, crucial elements in preventing potential trafficking situations. Students received participation incentives, such as Jolly Rancher candies, to engage them more actively in the learning process.
Feedback from participating students is collected anonymously, facilitating a safe space for them to express any concerns or alarming questions they may have brought up during the sessions. This method ensures that educators can follow up on any critical issues, further promoting student safety and awareness.
As of April 10, 2025, the educational program at Westminster High School was completed, marking a significant milestone in Vanguard University’s ongoing commitment to combat human trafficking through education. The university plans to expand this initiative to reach other school districts throughout Orange County, highlighting their dedication to increasing awareness and prevention efforts.
In the wake of these awareness initiatives, it is important to note an increase in law enforcement efforts as well. Recently, two men were arrested in Irvine on charges related to sex trafficking, further proving the necessity and relevance of education on these issues. As the program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a safer environment for the youth of Orange County.
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Additional Resources
- Fox LA
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- KTLA
- Google Search: Human Trafficking Awareness
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking Education
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Patch
- Google News: Human Trafficking California
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.
