PRIDE Program Celebrates 10 Graduates

Last week, Santa Cruz Police Department celebrated the successful graduation of 10 youths from the P.R.I.D.E . program.  This marks the 8^th graduating class for P.R.I.D.E.
Check out these photos of the P.R.I.D.E. youth rising to new heights at Pacific Edge climbing gym.

The P.R.I.D.E. program (Personally Responsible Individual Development in Ethics) is a 12 week prevention/intervention course for at risk youth ages 12 to 15.  It is designed to help young teens understand the impact of their current life choices upon their futures and aid them in their future decision making processes.    

The P.R.I.D.E. students and their mentors participate in a variety of field trips and workshops. These experiences give the PRIDE youth the opportunity to better understand the differences between good and bad decision making.  

The P.R.I.D.E. youth often surprised themselves learning from the challenges encountered in the group activities.  The field trip activities included rock climbing, horseback riding, science experiments and   visits to the courts, jail and San Quentin State Prison.  P.R.I.D.E. mentors noted their students learned the value of cooperation and self-awareness in making better choices.

There are many individuals and organizations in our community who helped make P.R.I.D.E. reality.   Our volunteer mentors are integral to the success of the program. A special thanks goes out to Robert Orrizzi, a 6 time devoted mentor volunteer and Principal Daniel Denton for their extraordinary support.

Congratulations 2015 P.R.I.D.E.  Graduates!  Thank you P.R.I.D.E. mentors and community businesses for supporting our youth.

If you'd like to learn more about the program or become a mentor, visit our department's website or contact Community Services at (831) 420-5952