The Highmark Foundation, through the Bullying Prevention Institute (www.bullyingpreventioninstitute.org), aims to serve as catalyst and convener to support efforts under way to establish the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) in Pennsylvania's schools.
Founded by the Highmark Foundation and through Highmark Healthy High 5 funding, the Institute plans and presents educational sessions across the state. These sessions are designed to increase the skill level of those involved in bullying prevention initiatives within the school setting or at home. The Institute also works to promote and advance best practice solutions, raising awareness of the current body of evidence that demonstrates the urgency of reducing bullying among school-aged children and youth.
Relying upon established partnerships and collaborative relationships with leading experts and organizations, the Institute works to enhance support of bullying prevention initiatives in Pennsylvania schools. Through Highmark Healthy High 5, Highmark Foundation has funded two important prevention efforts:
Both programs, implemented through Center for Safe Schools and Windber Research Institute respectively, are built upon the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) — the blue-ribbon program for bullying prevention. The Institute seeks to further strengthen opportunities for the success of those schools and program trainers now engaged in the program.
An international expert panel helps to shape Bullying Prevention Institute objectives and collaborates to identify key issues and strategies for combating bullying in Pennsylvania schools. The panel is led by Highmark Foundation Chairman Aaron A. Walton and Strategic Corporate Initiatives Director Janice Seigle.
Bullying prevention experts who have committed their time and expertise to serve on the panel are:
Learn more about the Bullying Prevention Institute and these experts at www.bullyingpreventioninstitute.org