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“I know have family, friends and officers I can count on. This has been the best summer of my life.”
This month, the Arlington County Police Department graduated its first group of students from Summer Teen Enrichment Program (S.T.E.P.), which was made possible by a Code 3 grant. Participants were rising 8th and 9th graders enrolled in Arlington County Public Schools labeled as ‘at risk’ due to disciplinary issues and/or poor decision-making.
The programs goals were to:
- Empower participants to achieve their goals regardless of their backgrounds or environment;
- Provide participants with the tools to be successful by providing structure and courses that help them become successful and productive young adults; and
- Build healthy relationships between the youth and the Arlington County Police Department.
The graduation ceremony included the presentation of colors by the ACPD honor guard, along with the presentation of certificates of completion. Students also made remarks about the program during the ceremony.
“I now have family, friends and officers I can count on,” one of the program participants said. “This has been the best summer of my life.”
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“I now have goals and a path, I have a better relationship with my family, community and the police.”
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“The program has opened new doors for me. I know what teamwork and being a leader means.”
