The Department of Homeland Security's Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships hosted the finalists for the Invent2Prevent program June 21 and 22.
High school and university students were invited to participate in the program, which encourages the development of new solutions to help to reduce instances of organized violence and terrorism, according to a July 1 news release. This event was co-hosted by EdVenture Partners and the McCain Institute for International Leadership.
“DHS continues to work with communities across the country to help prevent acts of targeted violence," Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien said in the release. "Invent2Prevent uniquely empowers young people to help prevent this violence.”
Finalists included American University, which won the university category, and Marysville High School, which won the high school category, the release reported.
“These students have demonstrated that the next generation of leaders is committed to building a more secure and prosperous nation for everyone through connection, digital literacy and other key tools,” Tien added, according to the release.
"When faced with the challenge to educate and prevent targeted violence and acts of hate, I am continually amazed at the range of ideas, strategies and tactics that young, creative minds can deploy to make the world a better place,” Tony Sgro, founder and CEO of EdVenture Partners, said in the release.
More than 700 students from 77 institutions in 28 states and 27 high school pilot programs in 16 states have participated in the Invent2Prevent initiative since its launch in the spring of 2021, the release reported.
