The High School Academic Support Program hosted it's first annual "Connect for Respect Conference" on January 13, 2024 at the Springfield Branch Library in Newark. Our facilitators were Lakeesha Eure from the City of Newark's Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. Teens shared their various experiences with violence and trauma and the coping mechanisms they use to overcome trauma. Ms. Eure stated that they cannot avoid the trauma they experienced and should not be uncomfortable or afraid to reach out for help. We also had Health Educators from Beth Israel Hospital in Newark who spoke about STD Prevention and distributed prevention packets and materials to teens and demonstrated the proper use of contraceptives and shared the importance of safeguard yourselves against STD's. Teens received certificates for their participation and enjoyed a delicious lunch with their peers.