Napa County Office of Education partners with the District Attorney’s Office to implement the Mariposa and Bridging Brothers programs. These educational programs focus on the implementation of prevention and intervention services within the schools by utilizing experts to train students, school staff, and community members to foster positive behaviors and decision making.
Every year over 100 students participate in these programs, resulting in:
- 94% having future goals and planning to go to college
- 92% saying they do things to make a difference in their school or community
- 86% saying they feel close to people at school
Mariposa
Mariposa is celebrating their 10th year anniversary! The Mariposa Program of the Napa County Office of Education empowers girls in middle and high school by providing violence prevention and self-esteem building curriculum. Sessions are delivered through small group meetings once a week for an hour during the school year. The program ensures that girls gain tools and awareness to avoid risky situations. Additionally, the curriculum focuses on strengthening the participants’ self-worth, advocating for themselves and one another, and becoming resources in their schools. Students in Mariposa lead peer-to-peer violence and substance-use education and prevention by conducting school-wide events that reach thousands of students.
Mariposa serves approximately 125 students annually at eight school sites in Napa. Pre and post surveys are administered to measure the effectiveness of the program. Students in the program claim that they feel more comfortable talking to peers about bullying, sexual harassment, and dating abuse. They also say they think about how to improve problems observed in their community and school, and feel more connected to people at their school.
Bridging Brothers
Bridging Brothers is a complementary program of Mariposa, serving young men. Funding from the Napa Valley Community Foundation allows the program to be delivered at Harvest Middle School. The program is structured to break stereotypes and encourage young men to make healthy decisions. Boys are encouraged to get involved in their school and throughout the community to strengthen their leadership skills.
