Programs like the Violence-Free Youth Challenge encourage children to avoid violent situations and to resolve problems peacefully, Zimmerman said. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe environment. Students, schools or community-based organizations are encouraged to submit their ideas and plans to prevent youth violence.
Individual youths are eligible to compete in the individual project categories.
Each of the district offices will select one winner from each of the four categories. On March 1, students will have the opportunity to showcase their anti-violence programs and learn about ways to decrease or eliminate violence. The Violence-Free Youth Challenge is sponsored by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Governor s Community Partnership for Safe Children, the Center for Schools and Communities, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and the Pennsylvania Division of the American Trauma Society. Gov. Ridge and First Lady Michele Ridge are both strong advocates for violence-prevention efforts. Gov. Ridge has made school safety and violence prevention top priorities.