Hot Spot Mapping is a student-driven program which asks them to identify places and people at school that make the students feel safe. Hot Spot Mapping has significant potential to help schools and other community organizations both identify areas for improvement related to safety and culture, and also center the community in creating solutions. As one of the first organizations piloting this initiative in Colorado, we have been able to develop innovative and interactive ways to include students in this important work. We’ve received highly positive feedback from our partner school.
Hot Spot Mapping is based on the principles of Positive Youth Development.1 We engage a core group of students within the school to facilitate the hot spot mapping activity. Together we analyze the data, then present the findings to staff in order to brainstorm solutions together.