Apply for the Youth Police Academy

Step 1.Make sure you're eligible to apply

This program is for any current high school students in Kent County. To participate, students must:

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Be in good standing at your school
• Be of good moral character
• Have an acceptable legal history
• Be in good physical condition

Step 2.Make sure you can attend a mandatory meeting

To participate in the program, you and a parent/legal guardian need to attend the mandatory meeting held at GRPD. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. The mandatory meeting date is:

• Monday, June 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Step 3.Make sure you can attend every day of the academy

Attendance is mandatory for each day of the academy.

The Academy dates are:

• July 10 - July 14, 2023 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (times are approximate)

Step 4.Gather your information

Have this information ready before you start the application:

• Your resume--this doesn't just have to be an employment history. Include clubs, sports, or any other activities that show your experiences and responsibilities
• Your school's address and phone number
• A letter of reference from a school counselor, teacher, or coach along with contact information
• A detailed written explanation of why you want to attend the Youth Police Academy
• A digital or scanned copy of a written history of your life (written in black pen or typed)
• Your employment history information
• A copy of your driver's license or permit (if applicable)
• A copy of your school ID
• Proof of a physical completed within the current school year
• A release of information waiver that MUST be notarized by a notary public. This document can be notarized for free at GRPD (1 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids) between 8 am - 4 pm. You may use another notary public if it is more convenient. Banks usually offer notary services. Check with your financial institution for availability and any fees. Download the release of information waiver here(PDF, 140KB).

Step 5.Apply for the Youth Police Academy

Complete the application in English

Step 6.We'll review your application

We'll be in touch once we have reviewed your application. If you meet the application criteria, you will be invited to an interview as the final step in the application process.

Step 1.Make sure you're eligible to apply

This program is for any current high school student in Kent County. To participate, students must:

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Be in good standing at your school
• Be of good moral character
• Have an acceptable legal history
• Be in good physical condition

Step 2.Make sure you can attend a mandatory meeting

To participate in the program, you need to attend the mandatory meeting. We hold this meeting at the Police Department. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. The mandatory meeting date is:

• Monday, June 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Step 3.Make sure you can attend every day of the academy

Attendance is mandatory for each day of the academy.

The Academy dates are:

• July 10 - July 14, 2023 from 8:00 am - 3:000 pm (times are approximate)

Step 4.Download the paper application

Download in English(PDF, 379KB)

Step 5.Mail, email, or drop off your completed application

Our information is in the Contact Us section of this page

Step 6.We'll review your application

We'll notify you once we have reviewed your application. You will get an invite to interview for acceptance into the program. Here is a list of items you should have ready for your interview:

• Driver's License (if available)
• Student ID
• Letter of recommendation from school counselor, teacher, or coach
• Proof of physical for the current school calendar year
• A copy of your resume

Step 1.Make sure you're eligible to apply

This program is for any current junior or senior high schooler in Kent County. To participate, students must:

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Be in good standing at your school
• Be of good moral character
• Have an acceptable legal history
• Be in good physical condition

Before the program starts, you'll need to attend a mandatory information meeting on June 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm. A parent or legal guardian must attend this meeting with the applicant.

Step 2.Gather your information

Have this information ready before you start the application:

• Your resume
• Your school's address and phone number
• The email address of a counselor, teacher, or coach as a character reference
• A detailed written explanation of why you want to attend the Youth Police Academy
• A digital or scanned copy of a written history of your life (written in black pen or typed)
• Your employment history information

Step 3.Visit the Police Department to apply

You'll find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. Visit the front desk and let us know you're interested in applying. We'll help you submit your application.

Step 4.We'll review your application

We'll notify you once we have reviewed your application. You will get an invite to interview for acceptance into the program. Here is a list of items you should have ready for your interview:

• Driver's License (if available)
• Student ID
• Letter of recommendation from school counselor, teacher, or coach
• Proof of physical for the current school calendar year
• A copy of your resume