UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is the recipient of a significant grant aimed at addressing and improving sexual violence awareness, reporting and response on campus. The $60,000 in funding, provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, is part of the "It’s on Us PA" statewide campaign. The funding will allow the University to further assess risk factors related to sexual violence, as well as needed resources, within the student community — particularly among underrepresented and minoritized populations.
The primary goal of the grant includes increasing the reporting of sexual violence incidents, both through named and anonymous channels. By identifying and addressing barriers to reporting, Penn State aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for all students. The grant also will support the development of materials that simplify the reporting process, with a specific emphasis on the creation of informational videos.
These videos, according to Amber Grove, Penn State’s Title IX coordinator, will serve as a vital resource for students, breaking down each component of the reporting process and providing easily accessible information and support for those who have experienced sexual harassment or violence. These materials will be distributed across all Penn State campus locations in the commonwealth and made available online to access at any time for any individual that needs them. The overarching objective is to reduce uncertainty associated with reporting and foster a culture of openness and support.
Importantly, the impact of this initiative extends beyond the Penn State campuses. The created materials and resources will be used to supplement partnerships outside the University, allowing Penn State to contribute to broader efforts in combating sexual violence across the commonwealth.
“This funding is a tremendous step forward in helping those who are traumatized by sexual harassment or sexual violence, to explore resources, including the reporting process, in the privacy and security of their own space, in their own time, and with any chosen support systems,” said Grove. “Making these resources accessible and simple to navigate can be the difference between coming forward or simply trying to handle the situation on their own. This is particularly true for our underrepresented and minoritized students, who may have cultural barriers that discourage engagement with reporting.”
According to Grove, the University looks forward to the positive outcomes that will result from this grant, fostering a campus culture that continues to prioritize the well-being of its students and actively contributes to the broader societal efforts to combat sexual violence.
"It’s On Us PA" is a statewide campaign that invites everyone to play a role in ending sexual assault. Building off the momentum of the national It's On Us movement, "It's On Us PA" brings together college and university presidents, superintendents, administrators, teachers, students, families and community members to reframe the conversation around sexual violence and pledge to be part of the solution.
Previous "It’s on Us" grants received by Penn State have helped increase outreach to students across the Commonwealth and World Campus; trained staff; and reduced barriers for survivors of sexual violence to access services and supports available to them.
“The 'It’s On Us PA' campaign cultivates change and provides colleges, universities, and postsecondary career and trade schools with the support and resources necessary to protect learning environments and ensure they are free from sexual assault, harassment, and violence,” said Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education Khalid N. Mumin. “By participating in the 'It’s On Us PA' grant program, higher education institutions are making their campus communities safer and more welcoming for the students who call them home.”