Human Trafficking Prevention Education for College Students

Human trafficking is a serious and growing crime that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. As young adults step into new environments and experience independent life for the first time, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to help prevent it. In response to this need, and in alignment with Virginia’s legislative mandate (§ 23.1-808.1), which requires human trafficking prevention education for all first-year college students, Freedom 4/24 is proud to announce the launch of Human Trafficking and Exploitation: Training for College Students and Young Adults.

This comprehensive, three-hour training program provides students and campus professionals with essential knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to human trafficking and exploitation. The online, asynchronous course is carefully designed to be accessible for all students while providing practical, real-world information. Developed in partnership with field experts, mental health professionals, survivors, university faculty, and law enforcement, the training ensures a thoughtful and thorough approach to one of today’s most urgent social issues.

The module covers topics including risk reduction, recognizing warning signs of trafficking, bystander responses, and understanding sexual violence. Additionally, it supports compliance with federal Clery Act requirements, reinforcing each institution’s commitment to campus safety. By integrating this training into first-year orientation programs, colleges and universities are not only meeting legal mandates but are also creating safer, more informed campus communities.

Additionally, this course helps every institution meet key Clery Act requirements while reinforcing its commitment to campus safety. By providing students with essential prevention education, your university not only complies with state and federal mandates but also supports a safer, more informed environment for both students and staff.

Randolph College Leads the Way

Randolph College will be the first institution in the country to implement Freedom 4/24’s Human Trafficking and Exploitation Training for students and young adults. This course currently has 1,208 students enrolled, reflecting the campus’s commitment to student safety and awareness.

Student Izzy shares her perspective:

"When I first learned about Freedom 4/24’s curriculum, I’ll admit something to you: I thought human trafficking was something that only happened in movies, in TV shows, or in stories from faraway places. But I was so wrong. Human trafficking is happening all around us. The first and most vital step in ending sex trafficking is education. Learning how it happens—how traffickers operate, who they target, and what signs to look for—can literally save lives."

We also heard from Jaclyn Beard, Director of the Office for Civil Rights / Title VI & IX Coordinator, who emphasized the vulnerability of college students:

"College students are particularly vulnerable. They’re often living away from home for the first time, trying to build new support systems. That emotional gap creates an opening for traffickers to build false trust and connections. Many students face financial hardship, working multiple jobs, attempting to cover tuition and basic expenses, which makes them more susceptible to promises of quick money or “easy” work.

I’ve heard students casually mention meeting older men online who offer them money to go out to dinner or “keep company.” And they speak of it like it’s no big deal, like it’s normal. I once encountered an individual who met someone on a dating site, was unavailable for several days, drugged, and sexually assaulted. They were isolated, disoriented, and unable to seek help. That could have been a trafficking situation. 

That’s the culture our students are immersed in. And that’s why this curriculum matters."

Building on a Proven Curriculum

Freedom 4/24 has a trusted history of providing education and prevention programs for younger students. We currently offer a human trafficking prevention curriculum for 5th through 12th graders, based on Virginia’s Family Life Education Standards of Learning. This program helps students understand healthy boundaries and consent, recognize risky situations online, and develop awareness about sextortion and other forms of exploitation.

The new college module builds upon this framework, addressing the unique vulnerabilities of students transitioning into adulthood. By teaching practical strategies for staying safe, recognizing red flags, and supporting peers who may be at risk, the training empowers students to take an active role in preventing exploitation in their campus communities.

A Safer Campus for Everyone

Freedom 4/24 works to prevent and end sexual exploitation and human trafficking through awareness campaigns and prevention education. Our direction is clear: equip students, young adults, and campus communities with the tools they need to recognize and resist exploitation.

Human trafficking is a complex crime, often hidden in plain sight, but with proper education and awareness, it can be interrupted and prevented. By providing students with critical knowledge and actionable strategies, Freedom 4/24 is helping to create safer, more resilient campus environments. 

For more information about Freedom 4/24’s Human Trafficking and Exploitation Training for College Students and Young Adults, or to learn how your institution can participate, please take a moment to fill out our College Module Interest Form. Together, we can equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools to prevent human trafficking and create safer communities for everyone.