SCPD Celebrates Graduates In P.R.I.D.E. Youth Program

This week, Santa Cruz Police Department celebrated the successful graduation of 28 youths from the P.R.I.D.E. program. The event marks the 10th graduating class for P.R.I.D.E. PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT IN ETHICS. The program is a multi-faceted approach to support middle schoolers in making better choices.

Mayor David Terrazas, City Manager Martín Bernal, Chief of Police Andrew Mills and Deputy Chief of Police Dan Flippo presented diplomas to the graduates in the community room crowded with proud family and friends.

The SCPD P.R.I.D.E. The program ran from October 25, 2017, until May 26, 2018, and included 36 field trips, guest speakers’ presentations, and mentorship events. A record number of 28 students from Mission Hill and Branciforte Middle Schools participated along with 15 mentors from UCSC.

 

The teens have the opportunity to reflect upon the direction of their lives and the consequences of their choices. "It is a program where the students felt very empowered,” said program director Officer Leo Gomez. SCPD coordinates the P.R.I.D.E. program in conjunction with Santa Cruz City Schools and the County Office of Education. 

Our P.R.I.D.E.program dedicated to helping youth avoid a life of crime and gangs. We realize that the continually growing gang problem is not going to disappear on its own. The children of our community need to know that there are alternatives to gangs. We have developed a place where they feel safe physically and mentally. These young people need to know that there are concerned adults who will care about them now and in the future.

The P.R.I.D.E. program is voluntary and free of charge, and its activities include guest speakers, mentor connections, parental involvement and recreational outings help participants make decisions that lead to healthy and productive lives. 

Congratulations 2018 P.R.I.D.E. Graduates! Thank you P.R.I.D.E. mentors and community businesses for supporting our youth. 

Celebrating the Graduation of Our 9th P.R.I.D.E . Class

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

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