SafeBAE’s Custom Sexual Assault Prevention Program Empowers Worcester Academy Students and Staff

Empowering Students with Custom Consent Education at Worcester Academy

In a world where consent education is often one-size-fits-all, SafeBAE stands out as the only organization providing nuanced, peer-led, and data-driven programming designed to fit the unique needs of every student. From large public schools to specialized institutions like Worcester’s all-girls Academy, SafeBAE ensures that students receive relevant and impactful lessons on consent, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships. 

At SafeBAE, we recognize that students at co-ed boarding schools like Worcester Academy face unique challenges when it comes to discussions of consent, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships. This isn’t just another assembly or one-off lecture. Our approach is custom-built for each school, backed by research, and tailored to fit the specific environment and demographic we’re working with. For Worcester Academy, a progressive boarding school in Massachusetts, this means engaging students on their terms—ensuring our programming resonates deeply, equipping them with vital knowledge, and empowering them to take action within their own communities.

Led by Executive Director Shael Norris and Andrew Davis, SafeBAE’s Director of Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives, our presentation goes beyond the basics of consent education. We dive into the complexities of building safe, supportive environments in boarding school settings, challenging societal norms, and offering students the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their peers.

The Power of Peer Education: Leading by Example

At the heart of SafeBAE’s mission is our peer-led education model, which brings students like Andrew directly into the conversation. Andrew Davis, a graduate student at Brown University and SafeBAE’s Director of Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives, will co-lead the breakout sessions at Worcester Academy alongside Shael Norris. This unique opportunity allows students to learn from someone closer to their own age, fostering a sense of connection and relatability. Andrew’s role as both a peer educator and a leader in health equity exemplifies the power of youth-driven advocacy and the importance of fostering leadership from within student communities.

The Power of Ongoing Education and Commitment

Worcester Academy isn’t just hosting a one-time workshop; they’re setting a precedent for what meaningful, long-term education on consent and sexual violence prevention can look like. Schools like Worcester, which embrace comprehensive, peer-led programs, are setting the standard for how institutions should approach these critical issues. By fostering a sustained culture of consent, respect, and empowerment, these schools are paving the way for real change—not just for their students, but for the wider community.

SafeBAE’s impact data reinforces the importance of ongoing, peer-led education. In schools where SafeBAE programming has been implemented over a longer period of time, studies show a 20% reduction in incidents of sexual violence, bullying, and harassment. This data is only improving with time, and the more schools we visit, the more we see the ripple effect of empowered students taking action in their own communities. As peer-led education spreads, so do its benefits—creating safer school environments where students feel equipped to stand up for themselves and their peers.

One-time assemblies are not enough. Real change happens when students are consistently engaged and supported in ongoing conversations, programs, and actions. This is why SafeBAE encourages schools to go beyond a single visit. Our workshops serve as a launching point, inspiring students to create SafeBAE clubs and become peer educators themselves—equipping them to continue the work long after we leave.

However, establishing these peer-led initiatives requires more than just student involvement. It demands a commitment from adult allies—teachers, administrators, and faculty—who support and mentor students in their leadership roles. Schools that make this commitment help build an environment where students feel empowered to take on these issues head-on and become advocates for their peers. Worcester Academy is setting a powerful example by doing just that.

Bringing SafeBAE to Schools Across the Country

At SafeBAE, our mission is to reach as many schools as possible, equipping students with the tools and knowledge they need to combat sexual violence and create a culture of consent. Whether it’s through empowering students to become peer educators or offering customized presentations tailored to their school environment, we are committed to making our programming accessible to everyone.

Thanks to generous grants, we’re able to offer completely free visits to schools in Maine, New York, and now Essex County, Massachusetts. But our work doesn’t stop there—we’re passionate about bringing our life-changing education to schools across the country. We understand that budgets vary, which is why we work with each school’s financial situation to ensure that no student misses out on these essential lessons, regardless of location.

Every SafeBAE presentation is uniquely curated to fit the needs of each individual school. From public schools to private institutions like Worcester Academy, our programming is designed to resonate with the students we’re speaking to. We believe that creating a safer environment for students means providing education that is both relevant and impactful.

If you’re an educator, parent, coach, or student leader, we encourage you to bring SafeBAE to your school. Reach out to us directly at infoinfo@safebae.org to learn more about how we can customize a visit that empowers your students and takes the first step toward creating a safer school community.