The APD Youth Program was developed to create a path for the recruitment of local youth into the Austin Police Department (APD). In the coming weeks and months, APD will hire 60+ local youth to assist with the development of a collaborative youth-led recruiting model.
APD would like to create a better community-wide understanding of an officer’s daily work (their responsibilities, burdens, policies, behaviors, and feelings) and would like to have a better understanding of community perceptions, feelings, desired changes, and immediate needs to local support recruits.
The objective of the APD Youth Program is to develop a collaborative youth-led recruiting model and engage with the community by:
- Working with Austin youth to develop a professional recruiting model with multiple tracks leading to employment with APD
- Learning what the community needs to have in place to encourage and support area youth who could potentially enter the law enforcement profession
Who can participate?
Youth must be at least 16 years of age and enrolled in one of the following schools:
- Travis Early College
- LBJ Early College
- Northeast Early College
- Eastside Early College
- Garza Independence
- Akins Early College
- Ann Richards School for Women Leaders
- Any AISD high school
How does the program work?
- Youth will participate in focus groups without parents or guardians
- Adults will participate in community focus groups
- Each focus group will be recorded (with signed participant waivers) (con la firma de la carta de consentimiento de los participantes)
- Youth will be paid $21.63/hour for up to 30 hours of participation
- More Information
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Through this program, we hope to encourage our area youth to consider a career in law enforcement or employment with the City of Austin. This program provides insight into our community's needs and allows youth participants to list their experience in the program on college applications and resumes. Participants will be encouraged to share their comments, concerns, and/or frustrations regarding their interactions with law enforcement. This will provide an opportunity for the department to positively address viewpoints of law enforcement and the profession. Lastly, this is an opportunity for youth participants to acquire funds for savings or future expenditures.
How to Apply - Youth Interest Form
To Apply to participate in the APD Youth Program, please complete and submit the following form. Note: Please use the scroll bar if needed to complete all questions and click the submit button at the end of the form.
- Youth Interest Form - Apply Here
Questions?
For questions about the program, please email apdyouthprogram@austintexas.gov.