It’s not about authority. It’s about building relationships.
STAR/PAL provides a safe place for youth to develop themselves through relationship building with peers and law enforcement officers. Youth development and self-growth is cultivated through educational presentations, civic engagement and shared experiences of exploration and activity throughout our youth programs. We provide youth an opportunity to participate in new and varied experiences while engaging with adults who have dedicated themselves to supporting the community and the youth within it.
Varying age-appropriate programs are offered to grades K-12 and are facilitated by law-enforcement officers. Youth are able to pose questions of law enforcement officers in a safe, learning environment, an opportunity that is rarely presented to our youth. They are able to learn accurate and relevant information regarding topics that affect their day-to-day life, which in turn, prepares them to face the challenges they encounter on a daily basis.
In-School Programs
STAR/PAL offers interactive classroom presentations that bring police officers and trained program staff directly into local schools to support positive youth development. Teachers and administrators can request a single presentation or a full series tailored to their students’ needs. These sessions are designed to educate, build trust and give young people practical tools they can apply in their daily lives.
Topics may include:
- Healthy teen relationships
- Mental health and personal wellness
- Responsible use of social media
- Juvenile law and understanding personal rights
- Bias, stereotyping and inclusion
- Gang awareness and prevention
- Additional subjects available upon request
Each presentation encourages open dialogue and real connection between youth and law enforcement. The goal is to equip students with accurate information, promote safe decision-making and create positive interactions that support long-term community well-being.
AfterSchool Programs
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STAR/PAL means everything to me because it feels like my second home. I am proud that I came here because it inspired me a lot; it made changes in my life.
— Erick, STAR/PAL Participant, age 13
My mother was never around due to drug use, and my father spent most of my life in jail. STAR/PAL has been my support structure when I had no parents.
— Aileen, STAR/PAL Participant, age 17
…we’re a family and the facilitators are like parents. No matter rain or sunshine, I always wanted to go to STAR/PAL. Even though there was pizza, we weren’t there for the pizza.
— Trevor, STAR/PAL Participant, 20
The best thing about being at STAR/PAL is the relationships you build. You don’t find them anywhere else. Yes, you will go to a school for four years, but you would never build a relationship like you do in a program like this where you become a family.
— Malba, STAR/PAL Participant, age 17