LOWELL — Saluting, marching in line, and smiling as they earned awards for leadership, fitness, and responsibility, 200 Lowell youth in grades 5 to 8 graduated from the Lowell Police Student Police Academy this year, marking the 27th year since the program began.
Founded in 1999, the Lowell Police Student Police Academy has reached thousands of City youth with fun, engaging summer programming that provides a safe, educational environment while building positive relationships between youth and police.
The three-week program, which runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on summer weekdays, includes breakfast, lunch, public safety education, physical activities, recreation, leadership development, character development and more.
This year, 120 students in grades 5 and 6 attended, and 80 students in grades 7 and 8 attended, earning certificates and a fist bump from Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon.
Students receive breakfast and lunch at the program and participate in physical activities like dodgeball and kickball, character-building exercises focused on teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and responsibility, and educational programs focused on bullying prevention, internet safety, self-defense, gang awareness, and CPR and first aid. The program also incorporates video games and virtual reality to keep students entertained and engaged.
A major part of the academy is that youth can experience positive interactions with police and learn more about law enforcement through K-9 and Drone Unit demonstrations, educational sessions on SWAT, investigations, the law, and more. Students also get to meet members of the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, the Massachusetts National Guard, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The academy is staffed by six police officers, a sergeant, a captain, eight paid high school counselors, six college interns and several volunteers. Lowell Public Schools provides teachers who give math and literacy lessons, and CPR and First Aid lessons are provided by Force One Group, LLC.
The academy is also supported by funding from the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, which uses a multi-pronged strategy to reduce youth crime and violence. Corresponding with Shannon Grant funds being used to provide youth with opportunities in Lowell, the police department has reduced juvenile arrests by approximately 70 percent over the past 10 years.
“The Lowell Police Student Police Academy has grown from modest roots to something truly extraordinary that reaches hundreds of city kids each year,” said Superintendent Greg Hudon. “It was my pleasure to meet each of these students and to see the pride in their eyes as they graduated. I am grateful to all of our officers and volunteers who make this possible.”
At this year’s graduation, two of the academy’s top students were recognized for leadership and awarded new bicycles from the Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund, in memory of Officer Sean A. Collier, who spent his time with MIT Police building relationships with his community.
Kayla Rivera, a Lowell High School senior who graduated from the academy and later became a mentor, was also recognized. Earlier this year, she used CPR skills she learned through the academy to save the life of a 3-year-old relative while vacationing in Florida.
To learn more about the Lowell Police Student Police Academy, or to sign up, visit: lowellpolice.org/student-police-academy.
To view a video of this year’s academy for grades 5 and 6, click here.
To view a video of this year’s academy for grades 7 and 8, click here.
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