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Invent2Prevent

invent 2 prevent

Program Overview

Invent2Prevent is an innovative, experiential learning program that challenges high school and college students to create and implement their own dynamic products, tools, or initiatives to address acts of targeted violence, hate or terrorism in their specific communities. Teams compete at the high school level for awards of $5,000 for first place; $3,000 for second place; and $1,000 for third place. Teams compete at the college level for awards of $10,000 for first place; $5,000 for second place; and $3,000 for third place. Top-place collegiate-level finishers also have the option to enter a one-year sustainment program.

Since Invent2Prevent’s inception in Spring 2021, more than 1,100 students have participated. Ninty-two high school programs have been formed across 22 states.  I2P programs have also taken place at 119 colleges and universities, including six HBCUs and 11 universities serving majority Black and Brown populations.

Learn more about the latest winning teams here.

The Louisiana Youth Advisory Council won 1st place in the high school competition for their project, “Let’s Talk.”
The AIMS team from Texas Tech University presents their project during the January 2023 I2P competition. They won 3rd place for collegiate teams.
Students from the University of South Carolina present their “No Name, No Fame” project during the January 2023 I2P competition. They won 2nd place for collegiate.
The Lumi Media Consulting team from Duke University presents their project during the January 2023 I2P competition. Their project earned them 1st place.
Students from the Louisiana Youth Advisory Council met with Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-1) on the Hill during their visit to DC.
The Pompano Beach High School MOSS Club meets with Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) in his office on Capitol Hill during their visit to DC for the January 2023 I2P competition.
Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ-3) surprised I2P students from Burlington Township High School, showing up backstage to wish them luck at the January 2023 competition.
Students from the top three colleges and top three high schools from the Fall 2022 I2P program competed for awards in D.C. in January 2023.
The McCain Institute hosted the first I2P Briefing for DHS Senior Leadership, during which students presented their innovative project ideas to senior leaders for feedback.
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The 24 universities fielding teams for the spring 2023 semester are:

American University ● Boise State University ● Brigham Young University ● Embry Riddle Aeronautical University ● Fayetteville State University ● George Washington University ● Indiana University South Bend ● Johns Hopkins University ● Missouri State University ● Morgan State University ● Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College  ● Southern University Law Center ● Stevenson University ● Texas Christina University ● University of Akron ● University of Chicago ● University of Massachusetts Amherst ● University of North Dakota ● University of Rhode Island ● University of Southern California ● Virginia State University ● Wright State University ● Xavier University of Louisiana ●

The 38 high schools fielding teams for the spring 2023 semester are:

Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Health and Public Safety Academy ● Barack Obama Green Charter High School ● Burlington City High School ●  Burlington Township High School ● Deerfield High School ●  Clifton High School ● East Orange STEM Academy ● Franklin High School ● Freedom Prep Charter School ● Glassboro High School ● Hammonton High School ● Humphreys County High School/ Yazoo City High School ● Irvington High School ● J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy ● Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School ●  Leander High School ●  Lodi High School ● Making a Difference Consulting ● Mansfield Legacy High School ● Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School ● Marysville High School ● McLain High School of Science and Technology ● New Brunswick High School ● Newton High School ● Ocean Township High School ● Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools ● Penns Grove High School ● Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies ● Plainfield High School ● Pompano Beach High School ● Raritan High School ● Roosevelt High School ● Saddle Brook High School ● Southern Garrett High School ● Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy ● Warren Hills Regional High School ●

Three high schools and three universities have been selected to participate in the upcoming I2P final competition:

George Washington University – “Talk with Me”
Johns Hopkins University – “My Vibe Check”
Xavier University of Louisiana – “Still We R.O.S.E.”

Glassboro High School –  R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools –  “Ending Insensibility”
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy – “MyRoom”

The final competition for the Spring 2023 teams will take place in Washington, D.C., on June 28, 2023
.Follow the progress of the I2P teams this semester on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @invent2prevent.

0 %
Of students believe they have a role to play in preventing hate-based violence or school shootings
0 %
Of students fear hate-based violence or school shootings
0 %
Of students see or hear expression of hate against minority groups at least once a week

**Students surveyed participated in the McCain Institute Peer to Peer: Protection Project

Why this Program?

While foreign terrorist organizations still have the intent to attack the United States, domestic terrorists represent a growing threat we face today. Domestic terrorists include racially- and ethnically-motivated violent extremism, anti-government and anti-authority violent extremism, and other violent extremist ideologies. The situation surrounding COVID-19 also has created an environment that may accelerate some individuals to engage in acts of targeted violence or terrorism.

As the nature of the threat of targeted violence and terrorism is dynamic and continues to evolve, it is important to take a whole-of-society approach to identify and prevent terrorism and targeted violence anywhere and in any form, and youth play a vital role in these efforts.

Program Objectives

Student teams participating in Invent2Prevent are asked to design, implement, and measure the success of a unique social or digital product, tool, or initiative that:

  • MOTIVATES or EMPOWERS a defined target audience to become involved in preventing targeted violence and terrorism.
  • LEVERAGES social media or digital platforms to drive rich engagement with a target audience and catalyzes a network to get involved in preventing targeted violence and terrorism.
  • PROPOSES a product, tool, or initiative with a strong call-to-action to prevent targeted violence and terrorism.
  • OPTIMIZES the sustainability and scalability of the project to continue its progression and evolution beyond the program term.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships recognizes the value of the I2P program and has provided full program funding to the McCain Institute, EdVenture Partners, and Credence Management Solutions to support teams in the program development process.

Follow us on social media for program and team updates throughout the semester. Invent2Prevent can be found on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.