Character: Be About It

An evidence-based preventative program that puts trained active law enforcement officers in the classroom working with K-8 youth.  

Our thirty-two week program teaches youth and officers twenty four scientific and essential character traits. 

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By The Numbers

​Since 2012, Character: Be About It has worked in:


50 schools 
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950 students from all backgrounds with documented success.

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Our Curriculum

Using a research-based curriculum, the Character: Be About It program trains police officers to teach children, grades K-8, essential character traits that help them navigate the challenges of life. Regardless of their upbringing, children can be taught about the importance of good character.

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​The State of CHildren in America

Of the 343 million citizens in the US 22% are children under the age 18.

In 2023:

• 2,020,000 children lived in Pennsylvania.
• 37% were children of color. 
•  15% were categorized as poor.
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In 2024: 

• 67% of Pennsylvania’s fourth grade students could not read at grade level.
• 56% were unable to compute at grade level. 
• 89.2% of African American fourth graders could not read at grade level.
• 81% could not compute.
• 80.4% of Hispanic fourth graders could not read at grade level.
• 76% could not compute.
• More than 20% of children under age 6 were poor.
• Approximately 47% of the poor children were extremely poor.
• The United States of America has the highest incarceration rate in the world for young people.​ As of 2022, the number of youth held in juvenile justice facilities on a typical day was 27,600, a 75% decline from 2000. While this number has declined, the racial and ethnic inequalities continue to persist. 
  
  
  

Sources:
America’s Health Rankings
UNICEF Data
Children’s Defense Fund
The Sentencing Project
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Erie Vital Signs, The Erie Community Foundation