The Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting students at Collington Square Elementary/Middle School in East Baltimore. The program, known as the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL), focuses on building relationships between police officers and the community through mentorship, education, and youth activities.
Throughout the past school year, students at Collington Square have engaged with JHPD officers in various activities, including a Boardroom Chess Club that combines mentorship with financial literacy lessons. Officers have also participated in community service efforts, such as distributing groceries at the school's food pantry and organizing a Christmas toy drive.
Mikala Nuccio, the community schools coordinator at Collington Square, expressed the positive impact of the program, noting that students feel supported and cared for by the officers involved. “It’s important for them to feel loved and heard,” she said.
The PAL program has its roots in a national initiative that began in New York City in 1917 and has since expanded to over 300 chapters across the country. The JHPD's PAL program was established following the Maryland General Assembly's passage of the Community Safety and Strengthening Act in 2019, which mandated the department to create its own PAL program, similar to one already in place at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Alicia Wilson, vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins University, highlighted the importance of the PAL program in fostering community ties and creating opportunities for youth in East Baltimore. “Through this program, we are creating opportunities for young people to build confidence and strengthen relationships,” Wilson stated.
JHPD PAL director Morgan Jones-Massey emphasized the significance of reviving the PAL concept, which had previously been part of Baltimore's community fabric before its discontinuation in 2009. She noted the nostalgia associated with the program and its potential to provide mentorship for local youth.
The program currently serves approximately 200 students at Collington Square, with plans to expand its offerings in the future. Community leaders, including Senator Cory McCray and Delegate Stephanie M. Smith, praised the partnership between JHPD and the school, emphasizing the need for additional resources and mentorship in neighborhoods facing economic challenges.
Looking ahead, the PAL program is set to introduce a STEM initiative at Collington Square, which will provide up to $40,000 in technology and resources, further enhancing the educational opportunities available to students.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Johns Hopkins University (source).
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