The Guam Police Department is on the hunt for applicants for their youth summer program, Project U. Students will have the opportunity to spend the summer under the mentorship of Guam’s Finest, as well as GPD’s safe school partners. 

Schools are out for the summer but there are many opportunities for the island’s teens to stay involved through youth programs like Project U. Police Officer Eian Leon Guerrero with GPD’s Community Affairs Office is the program coordinator, and said, "What we would like is to empower them to be safe and responsible decision makers to prepare them for what happens after they graduate from high school."

Its a completely free safe school initiative where students will have the opportunity to earn community services hours and school credit.  Students will get to spend their summer under the guidance and mentorship of peace officers and partners like Mañelu, the GCA Trades Academy, Thrive Coalition and the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

"That’s really what we’re there for– as educators, mentors and of course if they have any questions about what it takes to be a police officer or how it's like being a police officer, we’re there keeping it real," Officer Leon Guerrero continued.

Plus, school resource officers like Police Officer Shane A. Perez from Tiyan High will be there to “keep it real” and break down barriers. He explained, "This is where Project U will come in collaboration with the SROs. It's like someone you see everyday, but…they’re not going to see us in full uniform or geared up– we will be in civilian attire and they will see our true characters behind the badge."

Officer Leon Guerrero echoed, "And basically be keeping it real with the students. That’s what it’s all about."

Project U will be taking place from June 2nd to the 27th from 8am to 3pm at the GCA Trades Academy in Tiyan.  To sign up your teen, ages 14 to 17, email [email protected].  

Applications close this Friday.