As a Commonwealth Approved SAP Trainer (CAT),
Beth Williams will teach the program to Juniata College Students.

SAP is designed to teach college students how to recognize at-risk behaviors that might hinder a successful middle/high school education. SAP is a shared effort throughout the state of Pennsylvania, counties, and local communities.

Since the Pennsylvania School Code Act 211 of 1990, all school districts are required to implement Student Assistance Programs in all secondary schools.

• Acquire communication skills to interact with families of diverse
  characteristics and needs.
  
  
• Identify the barriers to learning for students.
  
  
• Develop skills of intervention to address violence, substance abuse, and related issues in school.
  
  
• Understand a "child-serving systems approach" to resolve at-risk issues.
  
  
• Obtain portfolios reflecting marketable skills for future professions, including social work, psychology, education, youth counseling (guidance, drug and alcohol, mental health), juvenile probation, drug and alcohol counseling, or school nurse.

For additional information on the Commonwealth Student Assistance Program (history or development), visit www.sap.state.pa.us/.