Kutztown University has been awarded $40,000 as part of the Shapiro Administration’s $1.6 million investment in It’s On Us PA grants, a statewide initiative to combat sexual assault on college campuses. The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that 44 colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions across the state received funding to support safe and inclusive learning environments.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve a safe learning environment,” said Interim Acting Secretary Angela Fitterer. “The It’s On Us PA grant program cultivates change and provides colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions with the support and resources necessary to protect learning environments and ensure they are free from sexual assault, harassment, and violence.”
The national It’s On Us campaign was created during the Obama Administration to raise awareness of sexual assault, promote prevention efforts, and foster a culture of support for survivors. The Pennsylvania program extends these goals by engaging education leaders and communities to be part of the solution.
Kutztown University will use the grant to enhance prevention and reporting systems, provide support for survivors, and encourage proactive leadership to improve campus culture. These efforts align with the It’s On Us PA campaign’s three main goals: Increasing awareness and prevention of sexual violence. Reducing barriers for survivors to report incidents and access resources. Promoting leadership among education stakeholders to foster cultural change.
The grant funds will allow Kutztown University to develop initiatives that educate students and staff about identifying dangerous situations, understanding consent, and intervening to prevent potential assaults. Students and faculty are also encouraged to take the It’s On Us PA pledge to create a campus climate where sexual violence is unacceptable.
Kutztown University joins other Pennsylvania institutions, such as West Chester University and Dickinson College, in benefiting from this vital funding to prioritize student safety and well-being.