Eastern University Receives Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Eastern University Receives Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

St. Davids, PA: Eastern University was awarded $499,677 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to support the implementation of a program that places undergraduate and graduate mental health counseling students throughout the Norristown Area School District. The funding will extend over three years, starting in the fall of 2026.

The purpose of the grant is to increase the number of students with access to quality trauma-informed support services and decrease the number of violent behaviors among students within the community and school.

This project includes a partnership with The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) to aid in project implementation. Susan Edgar-Smith, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is the Principal Investigator, and Dr. Naomi Morissette will serve as Co-Principal Investigator of this project.

"This grant represents a meaningful investment in the well-being of students and the strength of our local schools," shared Dr. Edgar-Smith. "By placing counseling students directly in school settings, we are expanding access to trauma-informed care while preparing the next generation of counselors to serve with skill and compassion. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Norristown Area School District and TLC to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people."

Learn more about the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.