I AM THE DREAM: Civil Rights Youth Academy is an 8-week civic engagement program that will equip middle school scholars with the knowledge and skills to become civic leaders in their communities and promote social justice. Sessions will be guided by an easy to digest curriculum that will include interactive activities, community presentations, and facilitated lessons.
In conjunction with professionals in the City of Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, students will take a journey through history to highlight policing in America, while engaging in effective dialogue with their peers about how the criminal justice system and judicial system impacts their everyday lives.
Sessions are scheduled to begin in June at the Paul I. Philips Boys & Girls Club.
Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled.
Introduction to OPA and the I Am The Dream program
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” – Mark Twain
-Review of the evolution of policing in America
“To question something is to learn.” – Unknown
-A Study of Stop & Frisk procedures and questioning by the police
“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”
– B.B. King
-A GRPD representative will discuss Youth Interaction
Policy 8-16.1 and how to effectively communicate with police
“Decisions Decisions Decisions…” – Unknown
- A member of CAB & OPA will introduce scholars to the appeals process
Introduction to the steps in a criminal trial and preparing for mock trial
Preparing for mock trial continued
Session 8
Trial day and program completion celebration
Program Requirements:
Register your Scholar
Membership Application
616-456-4OPA
OPA@grcity.us
Office of Oversight and Public Accountability 300 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 499 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 View Map