Michigan State Police Seeking Flint Teens for Youth Leadership Academy

The Michigan State Police is seeking Flint teens to participate in their 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.

The residential academy provides young men and women with the opportunity to build leadership skills and build positive relationships with law enforcement officers. Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP says the academy "changes lives in a positive way, one teen at a time. 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."

The teens will be able to spend a week at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing where they will receive instruction from officers of the MSP and Flint Police Department. Some of the areas of instruction will include physical training, first aid, ethics, military drill, and team and character building exercises.

There is no charge for the teens to attend the academy as it is funded by a Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. The MSP says they will accept 20 girls and 20 boys and spots are filling up fast. Interested parents or teens can sign up at www.michigan.gov/mspyla