Butler County Community College is among the postsecondary institutions that will receive state funding to help prevent sexual assault and harassment on campus.
The grant program is called “It’s On Us PA” and was established four years ago as the nation’s first statewide campaign to end sexual harassment and assault. A total of nearly $1 million will be divided among 36 Pennsylvania colleges and universities including BC3.
Colleges and universities can use the funding to create programs including training for students, faculty, and staff, as well as institutional campaigns to inform about the reporting process and resources available to survivors.
Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera says progress is being made.
“We’ve spread awareness campaigns at campuses across the state impacting tens of thousands of students,” Rivera said. “We are educating students and staff on how to prevent sexual assault, how to report it, and where to go for resources in their community.”
One year ago, Slippery Rock University received similar funding from this program for the same purpose.