Iowa Public Safety Agencies to Offer Youth Academies

May 18--IOWA CITY -- Public safety agencies in Johnson County are teaming up to offer youth academies this summer.

The Iowa City police and fire departments and Johnson County Ambulance Service are sponsoring career academies for students with an interest in careers as police officers, firefighters are paramedics. The academies, divided by age groups, will be offered to students in grades 5-12.

The elementary academy will take place July 5-6 and will be offered to students who completed fifth or sixth grade this year. The junior high academy will take place July 13-14 and is for students who completed seventh or eighth grade this year.

Both programs will teach participants about local public agencies and the duties they perform. The classes will take place from 9-3 at the Iowa City Police Substation, 1067 Highway 6 East.

The high school academy is scheduled for July 18-22 and is offered to students who have completed grades ninth through 12th. The program, which will take place at the substation from 9-3 each day, will focus on public safety careers.

Participants who complete the senior high academy will have the option to continue with the Johnson County Public Safety Learning for Life Leadership Academy, which will continue through the school year. Students will attend monthly meetings that will focus on public safety careers, as well as leadership and life skills. The academy, which will partner with other community organizations, also will complete community service projects.

The summer academies are free of charge and lunch will be provided. However, preregistration is required. An application and release waiver can be found at www.icgov.org/youthacademy and must be mailed to or dropped off at the Iowa City Police Department, 410 E. Washington St., by June 30.

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