Taking part in scenarios like a traffic stop, learning about weapon safety and criminal procedure and participating in fitness training are just some of the activities that youths can experience at the Pennsylvania State Police Hill Impact Program. The free 14-week course, which is open to young men and women ages 15 through 18, will take place at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, 175 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, on Tuesdays from Jan. 17 through April 18, 2023, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

"(We want youths to) come through this program and to see what the Pennsylvania State Police department has to offer," said Trooper Clint Long, program director. "They (may) gain a love for the career and want to pursue that later in life. That is our goal."

Students who register for the program will receive matching T-shirts and hats to wear during the classes, as well as water bottles. Each session will include physical training (PT), followed by a time of instruction and hands-on activities.

"We introduce them to paramilitary disciplines - marching, standing at attention and saluting. We introduce them to physical fitness and we move into our law enforcement curriculum," Long explained. "The first 30 minutes is a military drill and PT, and then there is an hour and a half of scenario-based training."

Scenarios may include re-enacting a traffic stop or responding to a mock call. "We make it fun and interactive. We try and let the kids do a lot of hands-on stuff in a safe way," said Long. "They are (learning) and having fun at the same time."

This is the third session of the Hill Impact Program, which is named for the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, known to locals as The Hill because of its location in Hershey. The course is open to students from all geographical locations. "For the first session, we had some students who drove three hours one way to attend," Long pointed out.

He said that the students often come away from the program realizing that law enforcement officers have chosen their career because they want to serve the community. "As troopers, we put the community above ourselves. It's amazing how fast they learn that and how quickly they catch on," Long said.

The program also encourages a relationship between young people and law enforcement officers. "We have a core group of instructors that will be here every Tuesday. The kids not only are familiar with the faces, they develop a mentorship out of it as well," Long noted. "We urge the kids if they have questions or need anything to reach out to us. We supply them with our contact information and we have question-and-answer sessions. It's a great way for us to have that accessibility in the community."

Long encourages students to register as soon as possible, since space is limited and spots fill up quickly. Those who complete the course will take part in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate. For more information about the program and to obtain an application, contact Long at ra-sprecruiter-acad@pa.gov or 717-497-4577.