State Police Seeks Flint Teens for Michigan Youth Leadership Academy; Free Program Encourages Leadership and Character

Contact: Tpr. Scott Nichols, Flint Post, (810) 577-9542

Agency: State Police

FLINT. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is inviting young men and women, ages 14-16, from Flint to participate in the MSP Youth Leadership Academy this summer. The academy is designed to inspire teens to recognize their potential, be leaders and mentors in their communities and develop personal character through partnerships with law enforcement. 

There is no charge for the teens to attend the academy. Interested parents or young persons can pick up an application at the MSP Flint Post Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. ? 4 p.m. or the Flint Police Department Youth Service Division during business hours.  Applications can be returned to either location.  Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2012. 

As part of the state's commitment to the city of Flint, the MSP has added an additional session this year, allowing up to 75 young people to participate in the program.  The dates are June 24 - 29 (boys), July 22 - 27 (boys) and July 29 ? Aug. 3 (girls).

"The Michigan State Police Youth Leadership Academy helps to change lives in a positive way, one teen at a time," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP.  "With the rise in crime in the city of Flint, this program shows teens there is an alternative to gangs and violence; and it allows law enforcement officers to support and connect with local youth outside of their normal roles as law enforcers.  Young people have the power to make a positive difference in their community and with the lessons taught in this program, they will also have the knowledge and support needed to succeed."

The residential academy provides young men and women with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build positive relationships with law enforcement officers.  The young men and women will spend the week at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing where they will receive instruction from officers with the MSP and the Flint Police Department in an effort to form a foundation of responsibility, respect and trust benefiting themselves, law enforcement and their community.

Areas of instruction include: physical training, first aid, ethics, military drill, water safety, presentation skills, job interview techniques, leadership and other team and character building exercises. Cadets also tour Michigan State University and the State Capitol.   

The MSP has been running the Youth Leadership Academy since 2005.  Approximately 700 teens have attended, representing the cities of Benton Harbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Flint, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac and Saginaw.  This program is federally funded by an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG), and administered by the Michigan State Police.