Project “tHInk”

In the United States, an estimated 2,000 youths drop out of school each day due to academic failure, behavioral problems, or early pregnancy. In addition, thousands of youths are suspended or expelled from school. 

According to the National Dropout Prevention Center, studies have shown more than two million truants commit delinquent crimes during daytime hours each day. Truancy and curfew violations are stepping stones to delinquent and criminal activity and tens of thousands of juvenile arrests. Common juvenile related criminal activities include:

• Substance Abuse
• Burglary
• Larceny
• Vandalism
• Gang Involvement

The mission of Project tHInk! is to redirect the path of juveniles who are or who will be at risk of being involved with delinquency. The Department of Education  and the Department of Human Services identify and select approximately 150 teens, both male and female, between the ages of 13 and 18 to participate in this conference. The selected teens from this group will be integrated together and mentored by officers, and later, the staff of the Youth Citizens Police Academy.