Student-Led Anti-Bullying Certification for Schools

The NSCC student-led bullying prevention program empowers students and educators to lead meaningful change, reduce bullying, and build a positive, inclusive school climate.

Year-long certification program for schools committed to real, measurable change.
High school students collaborating in a student-led bullying prevention program

Student-Led Bullying Prevention for Schools

Bullying Prevention That Actually Changes School Culture

Traditional anti-bullying programs often focus on rules and reactions—but lasting change happens when students themselves become leaders.


The Communities of Courage Anti-Bullying Certification program develops both students and educators as leaders who actively shape a safer, more inclusive school environment.


Through structured training, collaboration, and real-world application, schools build the skills and systems needed to reduce bullying and strengthen community.

How the Certification Program Works

Educator Certification

One dedicated staff member leads school-wide climate improvement and anti-bullying efforts with expert coaching.

Student Leadership Team

Students are recruited and trained as leaders to drive initiatives, build awareness, and influence peer culture.

Schoolwide Collaboration

Staff and students work together to embed anti-bullying practices into everyday school life.

Youth Summits

Students connect across schools to share ideas, build leadership skills, and amplify impact.

Why Schools Choose Communities of Courage

Student-Led, Not Top-Down
Students aren’t passive participants—they are the drivers of change.

Builds Real Leadership Skills
Develops communication, empathy, and problem-solving—not just awareness.

Sustainable, Not One-Time
Creates systems and teams that continue beyond a single event or training.

Whole-School Impact
Engages students, educators, and the broader community in lasting change.

Who This Program Is For

  • K–12 schools and districts
  • School leaders and administrators
  • Counselors and SEL coordinators
  • Educators committed to improving school climate
What is a student-led bullying prevention program?
A model that empowers students to take active roles in preventing bullying and improving school climate.
Typically a year-long process with ongoing coaching and implementation.
At least one educator and a team of student leaders per school.
It focuses on leadership, sustainability, and whole-school culture change—not one-time training.
  • Reduced bullying and improved student behavior
  • Stronger student voice and leadership
  • Increased sense of belonging and safety
  • Improved school climate and engagement
  • Alignment with SEL and school climate goals

Bring Student-Led Bullying Prevention to Your School

Join schools across the country creating safer, more inclusive environments through student leadership and community engagement.

E Tsang, Director of Operations, National School Climate Center

E Tsang

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations for NSCC, E Tsang helps make the finances, HR, and organizational functions of NSCC run smoothly.
Adam St. Bernard Jacobs(he/him), Co-Executive Director, National School Climate Center

Adam St. Bernard Jacobs (he/him)

Co-Executive Director

Adam is a peace educator and nonprofit leader. Adam was previously the organization’s Director of Development. Prior to joining NSCC, Adam was the co-founder and Executive Director of Kids Creative, an arts education organization in NYC. He was also a member of the team that founded a community elementary school in The Bronx. He has worked on issues of equity, anti-racism, arts education, and conflict resolution. He has written articles and led workshops in conflict resolution and the arts, giving talks and workshops at Columbia University, The Peace and Justice Studies Conference, Gettysburg College, and The University of Istanbul, among others. Adam has an undergraduate degree in International Politics, a Masters degree in Peace Education, and a Certificate in Senior Nonprofit Leadership, all from Columbia University, as well as an undergraduate degree in Rabbinic Law from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He was also Mr. Clown, a lead performer in the internationally acclaimed rock group for kids, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, and was a regular on Nick Jr. and Chuck E Cheese TV. He is raising 2 fantastic children with his life partner, Tabitha.
Kori Hamilton Biagas, Director of Education, National School Climate Center

Kori Hamilton Biagas

Director of Education

Kori is an educator, connector, truth seeker, master facilitator, and the founder of Just Educators. Kori has nearly 20 years of experience in strategic planning, policy analysis and development, instruction, coaching, and technical assistance. As an Equity Specialist for the Region IV and Region IX equity assistance centers, Kori managed large-scale, racial equity driven school district transformation efforts, led district and state leaders through policy analysis, coached state leaders through school climate transformation initiatives, and provided equity-focused professional learning opportunities at all levels of education. Kori specializes in addressing and resolving inequitable policies, practices, and processes in organizations related to racial equity and social justice.
Christian Villenas, Ph.D, Co-Executive Director, National School Climate Center

Christian Villenas, Ph.D

Co-Executive Director

A sociologist by training and an applied education researcher by practice, Christian’s work examines how educational institutions shape opportunity, belonging, exclusion, and student experience. At NSCC, he helps guide the organization’s research, measurement, evaluation, partnerships, and strategic growth, with a focus on making evidence usable for schools, districts, and education partners. Before joining NSCC, Dr. Villenas held research and policy roles at GLSEN, Advocates for Children of New York, the New York City Charter School Center, the NAEP Education Statistics Services Institute, and the American Institutes for Research. Across more than two decades, his work has focused on school climate, social disparities in education, disability studies, LGBTQ student experiences, college access, education policy, program evaluation, and statistical analysis. He holds a BS from New York University, an MS from The New School, and a PhD in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University.
Amanda Weitzel, Director of School Partnerships, National School Climate Center

Amanda Weitzel

Director of School Partnerships

For over a decade at NSCC, Amanda has partnered with schools and districts across the country to support the implementation of school climate surveys and the strategic use of data to drive meaningful improvement. With a background in data analysis, customer success, and partner support, Amanda specializes in helping educators move beyond data collection to uncover actionable insights that strengthen school communities. Her work sits at the intersection of research, data, and practice, guiding school and district leaders in translating survey results into informed decisions that support student success, staff well-being, and positive learning environments. Amanda is passionate about empowering educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to create safe, supportive, and engaging schools where all students can thrive.
Samantha Elleman, Associate Director of Research, National School Climate Center

Samantha Elleman

Associate Director of Research

Samantha’s primary research topics span school climate, social inclusion, and school climate improvement. Prior to joining the National School Climate Center, Samantha worked as Assistant Teacher and Research Assistant at the Barnard Toddler Center. Her research interests include early childhood education, childhood trauma and protective factors, social-emotional education, and mental wellness in schools. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Barnard College and a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.