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COD News
02/19/2026 | Academics | Featured | All News
Criminal Justice Students Empower At-Risk Youth
By Angela Mennecke
College of DuPage Criminal and Justice Studies students joined youth from The Regional Safe School of DuPage County for a two-day workshop blending mentorship and creative expression.
Led by illustrator Suzanne Kaufman and developed by COD Adjunct Professor Stacie Haen-Darden, the program used illustrative journaling to help youth explore emotions, tell their stories and build confidence. The COD students acted as mentors, putting prevention into practice while supporting at-risk youth in a meaningful, hands-on way.
This event was funded pursuant to a grant from the Illinois Community College Board and funded partially/fully through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).
Learn more about COD's Criminal and Justice Studies program.
