Glassboro High School Wins National Invent2Prevent Contest

For Immediate Release

September 27, 2023

PR2324-Invent to Prevent

Glassboro High School Wins National Invent2Prevent Contest

Glassboro High School Introduction to Business Class students arrived in Washington, D.C. this past summer and left as the national, high school champions of the Invent2Prevent Competition. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, the McCain Institute, EdVenture Partners, and Credence Management Solutions hosted the program finals, which challenged students to develop initiatives to prevent targeted violence. According to the DHS website (www.dhs.gov), the competition also encouraged teams to promote mentorship and community connections.

Approximately three dozen high schools and two dozen universities participated in the initial round of the spring 2023 Invent2Prevent Contest. Sponsors narrowed the playing field to the top three teams in both the high school and university categories in May. Then, GHS faced off in the Washington, D.C. finals on June 28 against Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy and Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools. GHS emerged as the high school victor, and Xavier University of Louisiana placed first among the universities. Other universities that made the finals included Johns Hopkins and George Washington universities.

Business teacher Barb Jones accompanied a team of five GHS student representatives, Elijah Ellsberry, Seth LaMar, Donna Mendez, Karli Pritchett and Amelia Thompson, to the finals. The students presented the GHS RESPECT (Reach Every Student Providing Encouraging Caring Thoughts) initiative that they and 35 other business class students developed and fine-tuned in the spring semester.

The RESPECT program pairs new students up with upperclassman mentors of similar interests and incorporates Funday Mondays, Forum Fridays, an original game created by students themselves, other popular games, Instagram, and an introductory video. It aims to combat social isolation, get students involved, and encourage students to help their peers.

The GHS Intro to Business Classes were awarded $5,000 for placing first in the competition.

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