Wayne State University has been awarded a campus sexual assault prevention grant to fund a peer education program that will empower students to lead awareness and education efforts.

The grant is part of Michigan first lady Sue Snyder’s “Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault” initiative, which awarded more than $500,000 to 19 colleges and universities across the state to support various prevention, education and awareness programs.  

Rachel Kollin, coordinator of student wellness and prevention programs, led the grant-writing and believes the peer education program will further develop dialogues about sexual assault.

“The students know the experience firsthand, and they really understand what the barriers to reporting and intervening are,” said Kollin. “From an administrative perspective, you can guess based on research and reading, but no amount of that puts you in the unique position of being a Wayne State student.”

WSU is currently seeking students interested in becoming sexual violence peer educators. Peer educators will receive comprehensive training about bystander intervention, reporting an assault, leading dialogues and more. Training will be provided by Wayne County SAFE; the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence; and WSU’s Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Psychological Services and Police Department.

Once trained, peer educators will speak at campus events, including orientation, resident advisor training and more. Any current student in good academic standing can apply to become a peer educator. Applications can be found online and will be accepted until Feb. 17.

“We really want this message to come directly from our students, who are vested and passionate about teaching others. We want our peer educators to be representative of the diversity on our campus,” said Dean of Students David Strauss. “The hope is that students will be more inclined to open up and learn from their contemporaries.”

As part of the grant, WSU will also work with Detroit-area high school students to develop their own peer education program.

“Taking a proactive approach to sexual assault prevention helps educate students early on about preventing sexual violence and promoting healthy relationships,” said Strauss. “Empowering students to take the lead teaches respect and self-esteem. It sends the message that it’s okay to tell someone and that it’s okay to intervene if you see a problem.”

For additional information about the peer education program, contact Rachel Kollin at Rachel.kollin@wayne.edu.