This school year marked an exciting milestone for CAASE’s Prevention Education program: since 2010, we have now reached more than 40,000 students through our innovative classroom workshops. While we are proud of the impact this represents, we know that our work is not finished. The needs, interests, and worries of young people continue to evolve, and our commitment remains to meet them where they are—and to adapt our programs to reflect the realities of their lives today.
“Because of what I’ve learned, I will be more compassionate and will try to be very supportive if anything happens to my friends.”
– 9TH GRADER AT JOHN HANCOCK COLLEGE PREP
To ensure our workshops remain relevant and effective, we revised three core sessions this year: Consent, Victim Blaming, and Commercial Sexual Exploitation. Our educators drew upon their numerous hours of classroom experience as well as their expert knowledge of pedagogy and curriculum design to create new activities that are responsive to student voices. We also held our first-ever listening session with youth and their parents and guardians, exploring their thoughts on technology, online safety, and the ways adults can have meaningful conversations with young people about these complex issues. Their input continues to shape how we design thoughtful workshops that resonate across generations.
“I can intervene when someone needs help in a tough situation and support them in a respectful way.”
– 9TH GRADER AT INSTITUTO HEALTH SCIENCES CAREER ACADEMY
The results of these efforts are clear: our workshops are more engaging than ever, and our new survey tools allow us to capture student insights with greater depth and accuracy. This year, our innovative approach gained recognition on the national stage. At the National Sexual Assault Conference in Anaheim, California, we presented Calling In, Not Out: A Tool Kit for Engaging Youth in Prevention Workshops, sharing lessons from Chicago classrooms with prevention educators from across the country. With each new step, we are not only deepening our impact locally but also contributing to the national conversation on how to build safer futures for all young people.
87% of students were able to identify clear communication, respect for boundaries, and mutual enthusiasm as core parts of practicing consent.
84% of students were able to identify specific ways to be more mindful online, like thinking before posting, checking sources, and practicing empathy.
83% of students could name specific actions they can take to end sexual harm in their communities.
“Because of what I’ve learned, I will step in when I see something that isn’t okay and check on the other person.”
– 9TH GRADER AT LAKE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Data and student quotes are from CAASE’s 2024-2025 post-program participant surveys.
CAASE prevention workshops are available to schools and programs that serve high school aged students. They’re free to public and charter schools. Visit caase.org/prevention for details.
Click to view a 1-page summary of CAASE’s prevention program impact over the 2024-2025 school year.
This piece was published on October 2, 2025. It was authored by Ryan Spooner and edited by Lizzy Springer and Kaethe Morris Hoffer. Learn more about our staff here.