Wisconsin ROX Program: Shannon’s ROX Program gives students “invaluable life skills”
A Story About: Shannon Peterson, Licensed Teacher and ROX Facilitator in Wisconsin
Submitted By: Melissa Oja, School Principal
Key ROX Program Outcomes: Confidence in self-defense, learned assertive communication and conflict-resolution skills
Did You Know? After participating in ROX, 88% of girls feel safer and more confident that they can protect themselves
Shannon’s ROX Story
In a pioneering move for our state, Hurley proudly became the first school in Wisconsin to adopt the transformative Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) program in 2023.
This evidence-based curriculum, implemented and championed by Hurley's own Shannon Peterson (Licensed Teacher, ROX Facilitator), is opening doors and empowering our female students with invaluable life skills.
ROX gives girls critical life skills
Shannon, whose dedication has been instrumental in bringing this program to life, recognized the profound impact ROX could have on the girls of Hurley. Shannon helped guide girls through critical topics, equipping them with practical tools, self-identified solutions for conflicts, basic self-defense techniques, and assertive communication skills. The ultimate goal is to significantly boost self-worth and self-confidence, preparing them not just for academic success, but for life.
Through Shannon's ROX groups, girls are actively learning to overcome challenges, gaining skills that will serve them currently, throughout their future endeavors, and for the rest of their lives. The vision is for every girl at Hurley to have the opportunity to complete this empowering course.
Shannon empowers her ROX Girls through weight-lifting
Last school year, Shannon further enriched the opportunities for Hurley's female students by offering a supplemental weight-lifting program. This initiative resonated deeply with her ROX group, who enthusiastically participated, learning vital skills related to physical health and fitness alongside the core components of the ROX curriculum. This successful integration created yet another wonderful avenue for holistic development.
The implementation of the ROX program at Hurley stands as a testament to our community's dedication to nurturing strong, confident, and capable young women. With Shannon at the helm, the future looks incredibly bright for the girls who are ruling their experiences in Hurley.
rox faqs
What is ROX?
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) is the nonprofit authority on girls. We conduct large-scale national research with girls, deliver evidence-based programs in schools nationwide and equip adults to better support and empower girls.
What is The ROX Program for Girls?
The ROX Program for Girls is an evidence-based program that 5th - 12th grade girls can opt into with parental consent, delivered in schools by trained and licensed female professionals. The ROX Program gives girls the skills they need to succeed in relationships, academics, career and life and has been validated with over 55,000 girls.
The ROX Program covers topics including: communication, relationships, body image, social media, stress and pressure, self-defense, college and career, leadership.
Who can run ROX?
Female licensed school counselors, social workers, educators and psychologists are eligible to facilitate The ROX Program for Girls.
How can someone become a ROX Facilitator?
Eligible candidates must submit an application to complete the 3-day training that prepares and certifies Facilitators to run The ROX Program for Girls. There are virtual and in-person training options available. Learn more and apply here. Scholarships are available to get trained and start a ROX Program at your school.
No girl pays to participate in The ROX Program
Want to give and support a ROX Program? $100 sends one girl through The ROX Program.
$1,000 sponsors an entire cohort of 10 girls!