The Boise Police Department is hosting a free summer program for youth and space is still available. This is the third year of the program and we have expanded to allow more participants than ever before.
The SHIELD academy is a free, three-week-long program led by a team of School Resource Officers and other officers from the Community Outreach Division. During the program, students hike Table Rock and tour places like JUMP, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Boise State University. Participants also take part in team-building exercises, hear from guest speakers, and learn about goal setting, leadership development, career opportunities, and more.
In past years, students were referred to the program and this year we increased capacity to allow even more participants. If you or someone you know would like to sign up, please fill out the application here, no referral is needed.
WHAT: SHIELD Academy Summer Program
WHERE: Timberline High School
WHEN: July 8 - July 25, Monday – Thursday, 9 AM -3 PM
WHO: Kids ages 12-15. We also have openings for mentors aged 16 & 17, (or 18 if still a high school student)
SHIELD stands for Success, Helping, Innovation, Empowerment, Leadership, and Discovery. The program is designed to build confidence, resiliency, and interpersonal skills.
Important details:
- This is a free, no-cost program for middle school/junior high school students.
- BPD can provide busing to and from the program depending on where students live.
- Mentors typically have an interest in volunteering or in public service as an occupation. It is not a paid position.
- Applications will be reviewed, and you will be contacted by May 25 if you were selected for the program.
- For additional questions please reach out to your school’s SRO.
- Link to sign up SHIELD Summer Youth Program | City of Boise
Watch a video recap of the Shield Academy from 2023 here
Reviews from past participants:
- “It was a really fun program and it helped me grow a lot. Thank you SROs and NCOs and everyone!!!
- “This program helped with my anxiety.”
- “I learned more about BPD and how important they are.”
- “I learned how to tell my story.”
- “I learned that judges aren’t all dudes.”
- ”We also had a mock up job interview and I really enjoyed that because it helped me get a vision of what my future job interviews will be like.”
- "I always thought policemen were like big scary people and I should always avoid them. But going through the program I've realized that they're very nice people and they're individuals and they're not really out to get you, they're there to help you."