Stoneleigh Fellows Kevin Bethel and Brandy Blasko are featured for their work launching the Youth Violence Reduction Initiative Southwest Philadelphia’s John Bartram High School.
In Southwest Philly, John Bartram High School’s Youth Violence Reduction Initiative launched in 2023.
It was designed by former School Safety Chief and now Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, School Safety Officer and Program Manager Kevin Rosa, criminal justice researcher Brandy Blasko, and me.
Students who have been involved in fights or show other risk factors for violence and street gang involvement are referred to the program.
The initiative’s core idea is simple: Earn students’ trust through consistent, credible mentorship — and step in when needed. Stepping in means teaching conflict resolution skills, running engaging workshops, buying a meal, or intervening when a fight is brewing or a student is on the verge of being expelled.
Each week, a team of administrators, counselors, school safety officers and community outreach workers, most of whom are based in the school, review every participant’s progress. They track follow-through on referrals and coordinate communication with families and school staff.
