PARENT & SCHOOL RESOURCES

In 2022, The Policy Project helped create a Utah law requiring free period products in schools.

  • Through efforts led by The Policy Project,Utah Code 53G-4-413requires period products in school restrooms.

    • Since July 1, 2002, a Utah LEA must provide free period products to students in each female or unisex restroom in all public and charter schools.

    • Funding was made available to purchase product dispensers and initial products. After July 1, 2025, each LEA will be responsible for budgeting for the full cost of the products.

    • The law requires that all students should be informed that period products are available for their use.

    Follow this link to let us know if period products are available in your school.

    • 58% of respondents said they used the period products provided in their schools.

    • 56% of respondents said they were able to participate in school or activities previously missed.

    • 76% of respondents said their comfort level talking about menstruation increased over the last 18 months.

  • The Policy Project is committed to supporting The Period Project and promoting student menstrual health. We’ve developed a comprehensive Period Toolkit with resources to help schools effectively provide period products and foster positive conversations about menstrual health. The toolkit includes materials to support compliance with product accessibility requirements and offers practical tools for communication with students, staff, and parents.

    Access the Toolkit Guide for more information!

  • Menstruation is a normal and essential part of life for nearly half the population. Despite its prevalence, misinformation and silence around this topic contribute to unnecessary shame and barriers. 

    By normalizing conversations about menstruation, we can foster understanding, reduce stigma, and create supportive environments for everyone. This guide provides practical tips to confidently address menstruation with students.

    How to Talk About Periods - Tips for Parents

    How to Talk to Boys About Periods

  • All public and charter schools are required to provide free period products in all female and unisex student restrooms.

    We want to celebrate schools who are doing this and support those who need it.

    Let us know how your school is doing!

In 2024, The Policy Project passed a bill to secure ongoing funding for K–6 child sexual abuse prevention education.

  • As Utahns, we believe in protecting what matters most—our children. Yet with one in seven Utah children affected by sexual abuse, this crisis demands action. The Safe Child Project works to change that by expanding prevention education in elementary schools, empowering children with knowledge and giving adults the tools to protect them. We have the power to prevent child sexual abuse.

  • Through efforts led by The Policy Project in 2024 (Senate Bill 205: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Amendments — now Utah Code 53G-9-207), $1.5 million in ongoing state funding is now available to support child sexual abuse prevention education in elementary schools across Utah. The goal is to ensure all students receive age-appropriate, evidence-based instruction from qualified providers.

    • The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) will manage a statewide contract with a primary prevention education provider to deliver instruction in many schools.

    • Districts and charter schools may also select from other approved programs and apply for USBE grants to support local needs.

    • Parents will be notified before instruction and can review content in advance.

    • LEAs must provide prevention resources for parents.

    • Teachers and staff will receive training.

    • All instruction must meet USBE standards and be age-appropriate.

    • April – June 2025: Schools incorporate CSA prevention into 2025–26 curriculum plans.

    • April – May 2025: USBE finalizes systems for materials/provider approval.

    • May – June 2025: Updated list of approved materials available through USBE.

    • July 2025: Primary provider selected; approved provider list published.

    • July 2025: USBE grant system opens for LEAs.

    • August 2025: Providers available to begin classroom instruction.

  • $1.5 million in ongoing state funding is available to cover the costs of child sexual abuse prevention education in elementary schools. K-6 schools have multiple options to provide prevention education for their students:

    • Partner with the state’s primary provider to schedule classroom instruction at no cost.

    • Apply for a USBE grant to cover the cost of an alternative provider.

    • Train internal staff to deliver instruction directly using grant funds.

  • While Utah now provides funding and support for child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention education, schools are not yet required to participate. Parents play a vital role in ensuring children receive this important information. Here’s how you can help:

    • Learn about the program - Review the list of approved materials and providers from USBE when they are available.

    • Start the conversation - Share what you’ve learned with your school leaders. Let them know you support child sexual abuse prevention education in the classroom and that funding is now available.

    • Stay informed - Ask a provider to share content of instructional materials. Plan to talk to your child about what they learn to reinforce safety skills.

    • Attend a training - Ask your school how they offer CSA prevention education for parents (it is required by Utah law) and attend a training session.

    • Know the signs - Educate yourself on how to recognize possible signs of abuse and what to do if you suspect a child may be in danger.

    • Get involved - Connect with your local school community council or parent groups to support student safety and share prevention resources.

    • Join us - Support The Policy Project’s efforts to keep Utah children safe!

  • Schools can only use instructional materials approved by USBE for staff, parent, and student prevention education? Materials must meet guidelines for child sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention education.

    Each year USBE offers two cycles for instructional material approval - spring and fall. The list of approved materials is updated through the prevention website after each cycle concludes. An updated list of materials should be available in late May or early June.

  • Fill out this form to keep updated when new approved instructional materials and providers lists are updated and when grant funding is available for LEAs. 

In 2023, The Policy Project secured $15M from the state and $2.7M from private donors for student resource centers.

  • Students in every district across the state are struggling to meet basic needs due to circumstances beyond their control: limited affordable housing, rapid inflation, job insecurity, and mental health and substance abuse challenges experienced by the adults caring for them.

    A Teen Center is a safe space within or adjacent to a school where students can access concrete supports to meet their basic needs, allowing them to focus on their education.

    Teen Center supports may include:

    • Food pantry and prep area

    • Laundry facilities and supplies

    • Shower and hygiene supplies

    • Clothing and shoes

    • Trusted adult

    • Resource referral

  • Follow this link to find a Teen Center near you!

  • Community partnerships help our Teen Centers thrive. The best way to determine the needs of your local Teen Center is to reach out to the school directly. However, most Teen Centers are in need of the following general supports:

    CLOTHING DONATIONS especially basic items such as hoodies, socks, sweatpants

    • Sponsor a clothing drive to meet the specific needs of your school

    FOOD ITEMS especially grab & go snacks, fresh produce, and meal kits

    • Host a food drive or a meal packing event to provide the most needed items

    HYGIENE KITS with travel sized items, toothbrushes, deodorant, lip balm, etc

    • Gather items and assemble them in sealable bags for individual student use

    GIFT CARDS to use for specific student needs such as shoes, bras and other basic items

    • Offer to pick up specific items when student needs arise

    SCHOOL SUPPLIES such as pencils, papers, folders and other basic supplies

    • Pick up extra items when back-to-school shopping to donate

    EXPERT KNOWLEDGE to provide a resource for activities and events

    • Host a lunch and learn event to share your expertise or share information about your career or hobby

    VOLUNTEER TIME to support the center by organizing donations, tutoring, helping to fill out financial aid forms or applications

In 2025, The Policy Project helped pass bills to limit phones in class and expand free school lunch access.

  • House Bill 100: Food Security Amendments

    House Bill 100 secures $2.5 million in funding to provide free school lunch to K-12 students in the reduced-price category—students from families who do not qualify for federal aid like SNAP or TANF. This is a massive victory, as HB100 is one of few bills funded in a historically tight budget year. The bill also aims to reduce the shame and stigma associated with free school meals. Lastly, it encourages school districts to implement strategies that minimize food waste, such as ensuring students have sufficient time to eat and promoting the use of “share tables,” where students can place uneaten or unwanted food for others to take instead of throwing it away.

    Senate Bill 178: Devices in Public Schools

    Senate Bill 178 maintains local control by requiring Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to establish policies that limit the use of smartphones, smartwatches, and emerging technology in classrooms. If an LEA does not create its own policy, devices will not be permitted in classrooms. The bill includes key exceptions, ensuring that policies allow for use in cases of threats or emergencies, SafeUT Crisis Line access, a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan, and medical necessity.

  • Send lindsay@thepolicyproject.org an email to request best practices for device policies in public schools.