Blaine Police Department Launches Inaugural Junior Citizens Academy for High School Students

BLAINE, Minn. — Over the recent Minnesota Education Association (MEA) break on October 17–18, 2025, the Blaine Police Department hosted its first-ever Junior Citizens Academy, giving local high school students an immersive, hands-on introduction to public safety careers. The two-day program offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement and fire services while emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and community engagement.

Program Overview

The academy, designed for students in grades 9–12 who live in Blaine or attend a Blaine-area school — including Blaine High School, Centennial High School, and Spring Lake Park High School — was free to attend. Enrollment was intentionally limited to a small cohort of 12 students to ensure a personalized and interactive experience.

Modeled after the long-running adult Safety Services Citizens Academy, the program aimed to expose young participants to the day-to-day operations of police and fire services while fostering an understanding of the skills and responsibilities required to protect the community.

Hands-On Learning Across Two Days

The academy was split into two full days of training and exploration:

• Day 1: Blaine Police Department – Students learned about law enforcement operations, participated in interactive exercises, and received demonstrations designed to simulate real-world police work.
• Day 2: Spring Lake Park–Blaine–Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department – Participants engaged in firefighting demonstrations and hands-on exercises to explore fire service careers and emergency response techniques.

Beyond technical skills, the academy emphasized leadership, communication, and teamwork — qualities essential to public safety professionals.

Introducing a Career Pathway

In addition to experiential learning, participants were introduced to the Blaine Police Department’s Public Safety Cadet Program (formerly known as the Explorers Program). This ongoing program provides young adults with deeper mentoring, training, and career exploration opportunities for those interested in pursuing a future in law enforcement or emergency services.

Community Support and Funding

The Junior Citizens Academy was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation (MCPF). The MCPF’s Community Partnerships Grant Program supports Minnesota police departments in developing initiatives that foster community partnerships, build trust, and promote transparency.

The Blaine program aligns closely with MCPF’s funding priorities, which emphasize youth programming and innovative community engagement projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500, providing seed funding for initiatives that strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and local communities.

Building Connections and Inspiring the Next Generation

“The Junior Citizens Academy offered students an authentic, hands-on experience that goes beyond a traditional classroom setting,” said a Blaine Police Department spokesperson. “It’s about giving young people a meaningful way to spend their MEA break while exploring potential careers in public safety.”

The program reflects Blaine’s broader commitment to relationship-based policing and youth engagement, providing students with opportunities to build trust, leadership skills, and awareness of the public safety profession. Organizers have expressed excitement about hosting future academies and expanding access to even more young people in the community.

Watch highlights from the inaugural academy here.

MinneapoliMedia