NOVA recently received a $25,000 grant from the Norman Raab Foundation. This grant will be used for the Upstanders Unite Program for elementary school students and will enable NOVA to schedule and present the program, as well as conduct evaluations and follow-ups in multiple school districts in Bucks County.
Upstanders are individuals who, when they see bullying behavior, take steps to safely offer help. The Upstanders Unite Program, designed for 4th grade students, is a multi-session primary prevention model that provides deeper learning about mutual respect, builds self-confidence and promotes collective Upstander behavior.
“We are thrilled to receive a grant from the Norman Raab Foundation to support our Upstanders Unite Program,” said Alyssa Davis, primary prevention coordinator for Pre-K, elementary and middle school at NOVA. “This grant will allow us to present 41 Upstanders Unite programs to approximately 1,066 4th grade students throughout Bucks County.”
The Upstanders Unite Program is important for children in the 4th grade because, as they move into their teen years, peers become more influential, social standing more valued and bullying situations increase. Students of this age struggle for ways to handle situations where classmates are “picked on” and require increased guidance and opportunity to explore feelings and actions when it comes to bullying. Upstanders Unite aims to provide assistance and tools to help students handle bullying in a way that promotes mutual respect and positive behavior.
“The Norman Raab Foundation is pleased to support NOVA in equipping students with the skills and confidence to stand up for themselves and others,” said Sara Raab McInerny, executive director. “We are continually impressed with NOVA’s thoughtful design of school-based programs. Upstanders Unite brings NOVA’s expertise into the classroom to serve students at a critical point in their development, and help students build their resilience as compassionate community members.”
Visit NOVABucks.org and raabfoundation.org for more information.
