Last week, Santa Cruz Police Department celebrated the successful graduation of 21 youths from the P.R.I.D.E . program. This marks the 9th graduating class for P.R.I.D.E.
PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT IN ETHICS
Lt. Flippo and Officer Gomez pose for a picture with P.R.I.D.E. graduate
Full house of family and friends in SCPD Community room at P.R.I.D.E. graduation
Working in conjunction with Santa Cruz City Schools and the County Office of Education, the program is a multi-faceted approach to support local intermediate school-aged kids.
On a field trip to the Google Complex
Checking out a career in aviation at the Watsonville Airport
The PRIDE program is a prevention and intervention course for middle school youth between the ages of 12 and 15, designed to help students understand how their current life choices impact their future.
Participants are given the opportunity to reflect upon the direction of their lives and the consequences of their choices.
The program is voluntary and free of charge, and its activities include guest speakers, mentors connections, parental involvement and recreational outings to help participants make decisions that lead to healthy and productive lives.
Sessions are held in the afternoons every Wednesday, with additional weekend field trips.
New this year, mentor recruitment seminar at UCSC. Great turn out from the university students. Thank you UCSC mentors!
The improved 2016 session of PRIDE concluded on June 1st and expanded from 11 weeks of activities to a school year-long program.
Additionally, the number of participants doubled from 10 students to 21. The program was further upgraded with the valuable addition of 15 mentors who are currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at UCSC.
Congratulations 2016 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
