September 2, 2025

Vanguard University Launches ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids’ Initiative

News Summary

Vanguard University has introduced a new program named ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids’ aimed at educating high school students in Orange County about the dangers of human trafficking. Funded by an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, the initiative includes peer educators who provide vital information and resources to help minors recognize and prevent trafficking. The project is crucial, as recent statistics show a significant percentage of trafficking victims are minors. The program seeks to foster awareness and vigilance among students, ensuring safer environments for youth in the community.

Orange County, CA — Vanguard University has launched a new initiative called “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” to combat the pressing issue of human trafficking in local high schools. The program, which aims to educate students about the realities of human trafficking, especially targeting minors, is part of a larger awareness effort emphasizing the need for vigilance and prevention within the community.

This initiative was made possible by a significant $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation, which supports various community-focused projects. The program is currently being piloted across public schools in Orange County, with a notable partnership from the Huntington Beach Union High School District. The program deploys peer educators from Vanguard University who are responsible for delivering educational presentations on trafficking-related issues.

Recent statistics from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force’s 2023 Victim Report highlight the urgency of the issue, revealing that two out of five sex trafficking victims are minors. Among these victims, female minors represent 32%, while male minors account for 4%. The troubling reality is that many individuals are unaware of the risks and indicators associated with human trafficking.

In March 2025, Vanguard’s Live2Free peer educators conducted a two-week program at Westminster High School. During their presentations, they covered critical topics, including labor along with sex trafficking, as well as issues such as “sextortion” and grooming. Through interactive scenarios, students were taught to recognize warning signs related to trusted adults, ultimately aiming to help them safeguard themselves and their peers.

The peer educators, who have undergone 40 hours of extensive training for the program, are compensated for their work using the grant funding. Their relatability is emphasized, as they are close in age to the high school students they serve. To promote engagement, educators incentivize participation with rewards such as Jolly Rancher candies.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting increased vigilance regarding whom to trust and a greater awareness of their interactions with adults. The program also encourages students to submit questions and feedback anonymously, which fosters an open dialogue on these sensitive topics.

The initiative not only builds on Vanguard University’s existing commitment to combat human trafficking through its Live2Free club but also connects to a broader narrative regarding the issue’s history in Orange County. The first identified victim in the county dates back to 2002, when an Egyptian girl was smuggled and then enslaved in Irvine for two years. Shyima Hall, the victim from this incident, has since become a vocal advocate against human trafficking, shedding light on the devastating realities faced by many individuals.

Jasmine Allen, a senior communications major at Vanguard University, underlines the vital importance of this awareness effort in Orange County, which is often misperceived as a safe area. As the community continues to engage with this program, it hopes to foster a culture of education, awareness, and prevention that ultimately leads to safer environments for children and adolescents.

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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.

STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

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