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DC Public Schools launches Public Safety Academy at Anacostia High School with DC Metropolitan Police Department and DC Police Foundation

Thursday, September 15, 2016

DC Public Schools with the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Police Foundation launched the Anacostia Public Safety Academy in School Year 2016-2017 to help students pursue a career in public safety.

“The Public Safety Academy at Anacostia High School will be a game-changer for students and our city," said Mayor Bowser. "The Academy will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about the field of law enforcement and create a pipeline that will help strengthen the Metropolitan Police Department."

Upon graduation, students in the Anacostia Public Safety Academy will earn six college credits toward completion of the MPD Cadet Program, enrollment in the MPD Cadet Program at the University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC), and civilian employment at the DC Metropolitan Police Department while completing the MPD Cadet program.

“The Anacostia Public Safety Academy ensures our young people have access to great career paths right here in our city, from the MPD Cadet Program to the police force,” said Chancellor Kaya Henderson. “We built this program so that students gain real-world experience while in high school and are prepared for careers before they leave our doors.”

The program includes special criminal justice courses, including Introduction to Law, Public Safety, and Security; Foundations in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement; and Criminal Justice Systems in addition to core coursework.

“We are grateful that Anacostia High School has embraced this partnership that will undoubtedly be a tremendous success,” says MPD Assistant Chief Peter Newsham. “These students are taking the first step toward becoming the next generation of leaders at the Metropolitan Police Department.” 

The Academy also includes internships with MPD and other public safety organizations and field trips to MPD Stations, MPD Tactical Village, the Joint Operation Command Center, and more.

In School Year 2016-2017, 61 students are participating in the program’s first cohort, which begins in student’s 10th grade year.

“I’m proud to see this program here at Anacostia High School,” said Eric Fraser, Principal at Anacostia High School. “This is another opportunity we are providing our young people to get a head start on their careers and to serve our city.”

Anacostia High School has seen recent gains in graduation rates, which increased by 7 percentage points between 2014 and 2015 to 46 percent. The school’s 9th grade academy has also seen recent gains with 77 percent of 9th graders being promoted to 10th grade, an increase of 6 percentage points.