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Building Trust. Changing Lives.
Through our initiatives and partnerships, we create opportunities for every demographic of our communities to interact with law enforcement and first responders in a positive and constructive manner, whether through leadership programs, sports opportunities, mentorships, youth dialogues, holiday gift drives, acting & theater programs, or many other district activities and citywide events.
We positively impact the lives of over 10,000 youth, families and seniors. All of our programs and offerings are FREE to members of our community.
High School and Middle School Girls
G.R.O.W. is a community-based girl’s mentorship and leadership program. This program is offered to young girls who live and/or attend school in the inner city of Boston. G.R.O.W. focuses on building self-esteem, gaining leadership and problem solving skills and developing social, emotional and communication skills. The goal is to teach, inspire and support young girls throughout the city as they transition from adolescence to a young adult and into adulthood and provide opportunities and experiences that might not be available to them.
Ages 8-12
The Junior Police Academy provides over 300 kids, including children with disabilities, with the opportunity to participate in a fun and engaging summer camp. The youth are introduced to operational components of Boston Police Department through tours of multiple agencies. They learn about the City of Boston through a myriad of field trips, and they experience direct interaction with leaders of law enforcement in the city. JPA is now offered through your police district. Get in touch with your Youth Service Officer listed on the District Officers page.
High School mentors and middle school mentees
The PAL Social Justice League is a new program being developed to support victims of bullying, hate and trauma. PAL will provide resources and training for 18 High School students to become peer mentors for matched middle school students who have suffered emotional trauma as a result of cyber bullying or hate. The mentors and mentees will have access to professional mental health resources if requested and mindfulness training through the Benson Henry Institute. We are hopeful to rollout this program in the Fall of 2022.
High School
The Boston PAL Build Your Path youth program is in development, and will empower our inner-city youth to be leaders of tomorrow through public service education, community service and outreach. BYP will provide challenging experiences to high school students to help develop leadership skills, participate in civil discourse and the legislative process, and discover career paths through live and virtual internships, worksite visits, guest speakers and career counselors. The BYP program will use new tools to assist youth in career matching and exploration, support participants with college and job applications, tour college and corporate campuses, and meet with admissions officers and human resources departments.
Youth 12-18
PAL Life Skills Program is also in development and will focus on helping our youth acquire the life and career skills to build a productive and positive future path. Opportunities include hearing from CEOs & Leaders; gaining exposure to different industries, businesses and career paths; taking tours at local companies; participating in workshops on resume building, financial independence, and more.
Youth 13-18
Financial Scholars is a program geared for middle through high school youth ages 13-18 across the neighborhoods of Boston, providing basic financial literacy skills and valuable knowledge to support their college, career, and life plans. Curriculum includes learning about saving, building a budget, and opening a bank account. This program is offered annually in the Fall.
Youth 12-18
Monthly talks for youth with a variety of leaders and executives sharing lessons learned, highlighting career paths, and covering timely topics. LTS runs in the Fall and Spring. Share your ideas for our next speaker!
Elementary School students and their Families
This cooking class, in partnership with Lingzi Foundation, was launched in 2019. This activity is all about bringing people together for a healthy home cooked meal. We host four (4) sessions per season engaging young kids, and parents in an easy, fun and creative cooking class.
Annual summer event held at Jamaica Pond where youth and families learn how to fish, and interact with police and community partners during a fun-filled day of activities, food and entertainment.
Youth 12-18
Officers host dialogues with youth in community centers and schools across the city, fostering positive interactions between the police and the youth, and opening the door for broad conversations on topics such as conflict resolution, effects of trauma, life skills, community service, career goals. Contact your CSO for details or email our Program Director.
A summer evening walk through the neighborhood where police and residents can connect, share an ice-cream…and smiles. Occurs several times throughout the summer. Check the PAL Calendar this summer!
The BPD sponsored ice-cream truck is a summer favorite, visiting many parks, community centers, parades, and community gatherings. Many Hoodsies and smiles are shared. Contact your District CSO for more information about the Ice Cream Truck.
This annual tradition, created and hosted by the Boston Police Commissioner, provides over 400 inner-city children with an opportunity to pair up with a member of law enforcement to shop for the holidays. Check back in the Fall for more information on the 2023 event.
‘Dancing in the Park’ is an open-level Caribbean inspired dance cardio party that brings culture, music and fitness together in one space. BPD officers participate in choreography and guidance for an intense dance workout with a focus on overall health and wellness. This is offered during the summer months at English High School on Thursday’s from 6-7pm.
The BCE hosts Bingo games throughout the summer at various housing and apartment buildings. Check the calendar in Summer to find out more.
Elementary Schools
School Assembly Program in partnership with the Boston Bruins focused on health and fitness. This 45-minute all-school program, taking place in elementary schools in the City, is focused on promoting a happy, healthy lifestyle by emphasizing perseverance, proper nutrition, and physical activity through movement. It is a fun and engaging program that also addresses challenging topics that affect school-aged children today, such as bullying, respect, and confidence building.
Youth 13-19
PAL has partnered with eSports Rocket League and Fortnite to offer Boston youth ages 13-19 a chance to participate in team and solo matchups. PlayVS coordinates play and officer/coaches inspire their teams and keep them engaged. Participants can play on their own devices or signup to play at The BASE gaming room.
Youth 13-19
Building relationships with youth and community while providing a positive environment and affordable sport activity. These instructional basketball leagues help develop important life skills such as making friends, teamwork, and sportsmanship, while learning the basics of the game. E-5 Basketball League runs throughout the Fall at the Ohrenberger Community Center. Get on the basketball mailing list to get updates for other district basketball leagues and special events.
Youth 8-12
The UBL Basketball League, in partnership with BCYF, led by officers of the Massachusetts State Police along with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Boston Police and other law enforcement agencies, provides a safe and friendly setting for officers to bring youth together from all backgrounds, emphasizing healthy and active development on the court, with productive dialogue off the court. Join the Unity Basketball mailing list to get updates.
Youth 8-18
This tournament, organized by Rising Stars, brings community members from the suburbs along with police officers into the city to join METCO students, Boston Public School students, and Boston police officers in friendly games. Connecting the communities in a way that has never been done before. Each team will have an officer, a suburb player and a Boston player.
Youth 5-18
Hockey Skills, Learn to Skate and Dry Land Training are offered through several Districts and are effective at fostering positive interactions between police and youth, opening the door for broad conversations on topics such as conflict resolution, effects of trauma, life skills, community service and career goals. District A-7, East Boston has a vibrant program that runs all year. Join the hockey email list to get updates on programs throughout the city.
Youth 6-12
Engaging children in a weekly program that enables them to play soccer with friends and classmates, while interacting with officers from the local district. Popular with the immigrant community, these instructional leagues and teams look to foster positive dialogue and connections with immigrant families that have little or no positive relationship with law enforcement, while enjoying the game of soccer. Games are played on Saturdays. Allston/Brighton – McKinney Park. Join the soccer mailing list to keep updated.
Youth 9-12 & 13-15
Flag Football builds physical coordination and social and leadership skills. Working with Police Officer coaches, builds meaningful relationships and mutual respect. Flag Football is offered in the Spring through District E-5 but open to all. Games are held on Saturdays at BCYF Ohrenberger Community Center in West Roxbury. Join the Flag Football mailing list to let the coach know you are interested!
Youth 12-16
Fight for Success Boxing program aimed at engaging boys and girls ages 12-16. The goals is to build confidence in themselves and build a trusting relationship with officers. Boxing is offered in the Fall and meets every Thursday from 4:30-6:30 in Egleston Square, Jamaica Plain. Get on the list to stay informed!
