Capitol News

The Prevent 2 Protect program, initiated by Michigan State University (MSU), is making strides in preventing targeted violence among high-risk students. The initiative began its operations in Ingham County and is set to expand to Wayne County, specifically targeting Lincoln Park Public Schools.

Prevent 2 Protect uses behavioral threat assessments to identify high-risk students and aims to integrate them into their communities, fostering a sense of belonging. Alyse Folino Ley, the director of the program and a professor at MSU, stated that since its inception in 2022, over 55 referrals have been received with more than 20 students enrolled. "Our students are doing exceedingly well," she said, highlighting achievements such as reenrollment in school and community engagement.

The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team from the MSU Department of Psychiatry, including mental health providers, law enforcement officials, and educators. Regional teams operate in various counties including Calhoun County and West Shore ESD. Lincoln Park Public Schools joined the initiative in January 2025 with plans for full implementation by March.

When schools identify concerning behaviors that could lead to violence, they conduct an assessment before referring students to Prevent 2 Protect. Eligible students undergo comprehensive evaluations leading to individualized care plans. "You can’t change a complex problem with a simple solution," Folino Ley remarked on the program's approach.

In Ingham County, Prevent 2 Protect serves several public schools with support from local educators and law enforcement personnel who receive training for program implementation. Mary Gebara, case manager for Ingham County schools, emphasized the importance of providing resources that help participants feel connected and valuable within their communities.

Jay Greene serves as a mentor within the program and brings his experience working with youth on probation or in detention centers. He views mentoring as an extension of himself: "This isn’t work," he said. "What I do is who I am."

Lincoln Park Public Schools cater to over 5,000 students along with additional districts participating in specialized programs for emotional impairments and autism. Nicole Chubb from Lincoln Park expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Prevent 2 Protect: "We are so excited to partner with them."

Martine Highet acts as regional case manager for Lincoln Park, noting how interdisciplinary collaboration aids children in developing positive relationships and overcoming barriers.

Funded by a $15 million grant from the Michigan Department of Education, Prevent 2 Protect collaborates with Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health for evaluation purposes. Folino Ley sees potential for broader application: "Prevent 2 Protect serves as a model...that could eventually be employed throughout the state and country."