Applications open for Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council
3/25/2025
Opportunity for student collaboration to improve school safety
The Ohio School Safety Center is accepting applications for the Ohio Student Safety Advisory Council, which was created in 2022 by Governor DeWine and the Ohio School Safety Center, and includes four representatives from each of Ohio’s school safety zones. Ohio students entering grade 11 or 12 are encouraged to submit an application by Monday, April 21.
Council member responsibilities
Council members are required to attend monthly virtual meetings and one in-person meeting in Columbus for the annual school safety summit during the summer. Throughout their term, they will participate in various events, both in person and remotely, dedicating at least 10 hours per month to activities, with the possibility of increased time based on additional responsibilities.
Student representatives will identify safety concerns from their peers and create local subcommittees to develop solutions. Findings will be presented to the Governor’s Ohio School Safety Working Group to generate statewide solutions. At the annual school safety summit, students will showcase their achievements in peer support programs and safety teams.
Council members will also conduct peer surveys and work with regional school safety liaisons to organize events, focus groups, and training sessions that highlight student success and best practices. Additionally, they will provide feedback to the Governor’s Ohio School Safety Working Group and the Ohio Student Safety Center on student marketing campaigns and projects to ensure student perspectives are included.
Eligibility and selection process
Students must be entering grade 11 or 12 must complete the application, students and submit a recommendation letter to jschapman@dps.ohio.gov. Applications without a letter of recommendation will not be considered.
Selected candidates will be asked to attend a virtual interview. The Ohio School Safety Center plans to announce the student council member selections by the end of May.