Shared Prosperity

Spring begins in just a few weeks, and several projects in the Promise Zone are already sprouting. The new programs advance important public safety and education priorities for high school aged residents of the Promise Zone.

The 16th Police District launched its Police Explorer Cadet Program, spurred by a partnership with the Promise Zone Public Safety Committee. The program provides young adults with law enforcement experience through mentoring, classroom instruction, and hands-on-training. After completing two years in the Explorers program, participants receive preference points towards their application to the police academy. Applicants should be enrolled in high school, between the ages of 14-20, and have a character reference available. The program aims not only to prepare members for the police force but for a variety of professional and education goals, cultivating self-discipline, self-confidence, self-respect, teamwork, and altruism. Explorers meet Saturdays at the 16th District from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be summer programming — a week camp at Fort Indiantown; training in water rescue; a trip to Washington DC with tours of the FBI, DEA, Metropolitan Police, and Capitol Police.

If you know someone who might be a good candidate for the Police Explorers Cadet program, please email Erica Parker, Community Relations Officer, at Erica.parker@phila.gov.

The Promise Corps College and Career Readiness ambassadors are engaging high school students in West Philadelphia High School, Parkway West, High School of the Future, and Overbrook High School in a new college readiness project. The project, Think Tank 2016, has students working in teams to create a presentation about one problem they wish to solve in West Philadelphia—and how. The high school students will present their solutions to a panel of Promise Zone Executive Committee members, who will provide feedback and support to help implement students’ solutions.

Participating students will develop their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. The presentations may support students’ senior projects or other class projects. Think Tank will also develop a cadre of young leaders who will be eligible to participate in the planned Promise Zone Youth Advisory Committee. The Promise Zone Youth Advisory, which is currently in development, will advise and inform Promise Zone activities supporting youth involvement and engagement in the Promise Zone.