Sergeant John Stephens of DPS helps a Youth Leadership Camp participant use the virtual reality headset.
Engaging with the campus community is a main priority for the 鶹ƵUniversity Department of Public Safety (DPS); however, the desire to connect and have meaningful interactions extends well beyond the borders of campus. Throughout the summer, DPS collaborated with numerous partners to partake in two summer programs that brought local high school students to the 鶹ƵUniversity campus to learn and work alongside the DPS team.
“鶹ƵUniversity is a pillar in the local community,” says Associate Vice President and DPS Chief Craig Stone. “DPS has increased our community engagement on campus and the community at large. Our team enjoyed spending time with our youth and exposing them to opportunities at 鶹ƵUniversity.”
Each program provided a unique experience to the local high school students who participated.
DPS proudly took part in the University’s Summer Internship program hosted by the Office of Community Engagement in collaboration with the 鶹ƵCity School District Career and Technical Education program.
Two of the rising seniors partaking in the Summer Internship Program chat with new 鶹ƵUniversity Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Adrian Autry.
Rising high school seniors participated in this six-week work opportunity that aligned them with their chosen learning pathway. Throughout the six weeks, the three student interns interacted with the entire Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services (CSEMS) team, rotating between different units.
Summer Internship Coordinator for DPS, Commander Michael Hartnett, was thrilled by the work of the interns, “The three young women that took part in our summer internship program were exceptional. They accomplished so much throughout the summer and helped our CSEMS team tackle various projects.”
The three interns were recognized at the end of the six weeks with a ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments alongside other interns who spent time with various other departments at the University.
Our first annual Youth Leadership Camp ran throughout July. This was yet again another collaboration with the 鶹ƵCity School District and their Career and Technical Education program, which brought rising ninth graders to campus for four days. The students participated in an expansive curriculum, including learning sessions that focused on life, career and education skills. The group also got out of the classroom to tour campus, see the athletics facilities, use the esports gaming room, try virtual reality law enforcement scenarios and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
“I am thankful for all of the instructors and other groups that we collaborated with on our first ever Youth Leadership Camp,” says Youth Leadership Camp Coordinator Sergeant John Stephens, “Above all, I am grateful to the group of students that spent the week with us; hopefully, they learned some new skills they can put to use as they begin high school.”
The Office of Community Engagement and Government Relations was also a key partner in making the Youth Leadership Camp a reality. DPS is already evaluating ways to expand and grow the program for next summer.
“I’m extremely proud of the initiatives our team at DPS took on this summer,” says Stone. “We will continue to find ways to engage with the community and craft programming that will make a positive impact in their development.”
Youth Leadership Camp and Summer Internship participants pose with certificates received from program instructors.
