Program Overview

Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) utilizes a systematic team process, comprised of professionals from various disciplines within the school, and liaisons from community agencies. These selected professionals are trained to identify nonacademic barriers to learning, and in collaboration with families, to strategize and/or refer identified students for assistance that will enhance their school success. As representatives of the county drug and alcohol and mental health systems, professionally trained liaisons provide consultation to teams and families regarding community and/or school-based screenings/assessments, and other services for drug and alcohol and/or mental health related concerns. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school. 

We have two SAP Liaisons; one is in the Titusville Area School District and the other is in Penncrest School District.  These Liaisons help students in these school districts and their families become aware of and gain access to resources within the community that might assist them.  The school district or community organization that works with students may refer a student to the SAP Liaison; the Liaison will then meet with the student to conduct screenings to determine specific needs and/or resources that will benefit the student and his or her family.  Once the needs have been identified, they will be addressed through the provision of information and referrals to community resources. 

In addition, the Liaison in the Titusville School District also provides students and their families assistance to gain access to other community resources.  Referrals can be made to agencies and organizations for help with:

  • Clothing or basic necessities
  • School supplies
  • Employment
  • Financial assistance or literacy
  • Food
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Parenting
  • Childcare
  • Education
  • Legal, medical, or utility assistance
  • Counseling for students and families addressing issues of substance abuse, grief, anxiety, domestic violence, etc.

All SAP services are provided free of charge.  Referrals are made through the respective school district.