For decades, the Minneapolis Police Activities League created an after-school partnership between schools that helped young individuals on a journey of discovery and growth. The Minneapolis Police Activities League (PAL) is a non profit organization devoted to reducing juvenile crime and violence by using police officers and community members as coaches and mentors for inner city youth. This program focuses on police developing and nurturing strong youth in the community through learning, sports and lessons that would last a lifetime.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the program came to a halt in 2019. "It does take a village, and it takes every one of us. The schools, the police department, the various partnerships – all very important to build our community strong," said Laura Cavender, associate superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. But in good time, the program will be starting up again and soon with high spirits from Officer Krystal Scott who will lead the effort into getting kids involved with the PAL.
"Building from the ground up .. I get the opportunity to play and interact with students, staff that are here, too, but my main job here for the students is to interact, build trust, relationships," Scott said. Officer Scott is here to help students be the best versions of themselves through sports and other learning opportunities. However, she needs the help of the community to make this program possible. "Anyone that's, you know, available to help this opportunity to support students, to support kids, this is the future," Scott said. "I welcome them to come with their positive attitudes and go-getter attitude to get a job done."
The goal of this program wants to center around the safety, security care and welfare of the students that the men and women in blue will be able to provide that exact care for them. Providing stability and support goes along way for kids who need the reminder that they can reach their dreams and grow into who they are. The Minneapolis Police Activities League creates that exact environment for all students who want to grow and come together to be one. The pilot program includes four elementary schools: Cityview, Jenny Lind Elementary School, Lucy Laney Community School and Hall STEM Academy.
MPS and MPD hope community members will get involved to expand the program with more sports teams and mentoring.
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