About

Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about the PLUS Program and the services we offer to schools and communities. We are truly humbled to be a resource to so many organizations across our country. In 2004 the Safe Schools Initiative outlined recommendations for schools to follow that will enhance school safety and establish a safe learning environment. The recommendations included guidance for schools to implement activities that include:

Assess a school climate.
Build trusting relationships between students.
Create opportunities for listening.
Develop a mechanism to sustain the safe school efforts.
We took the guidance of the Safe Schools Initiative and built the PLUS Program to align with these recommendations. As a result, the PLUS Program is proud to be in partnership with Universities, State Organizations and County Offices who are serving schools, communities and Indian Reservations from across the country. PLUS is now, not only seen as a safe schools model, but it is being used as:

The liaison for PBIS staff to gather data and implement activities to address universal interventions.
The foundation for student leadership programs to increase participation and effectively connect with all students on a campus.
The source for prevention programming, school safety initiatives and data gathering for community wide health and wellness stakeholder networks.
As we continue to grow and reach new communities, we are constantly reminded how important the work is we do.   We are committed and will continue to dedicate our efforts to create safe and supportive schools where all students feel included in the community.

Sincerely,

John Vandenburgh – Founder PLUS Program

Building a Community of Kids Who Take Care of Kids

In 2013 the PLUS Program was featured in the Award Winning Documentary on Cyberbullying – Submit. John Vandenburgh, the Founder of PLUS, speaks on his vision of youth leadership and the origins of the PLUS Program. John shares his thoughts on building a safe school model where all students are connected and feel a sense of belonging to a positive group identity. What initially was meant to address racism on a school campus has evolved into a comprehensive student leadership model that takes the lead on addressing universal interventions on a campus.