From Camp to Career: Atlantic City Youth Trained for the Future in Junior Police Academy

Discipline. Leadership. Purpose.

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Every summer, while some cities slow down, Atlantic City powers up with programs designed to shape its future. One of the most transformative examples is the Junior Police Academy—a two-week experience that gives local youth more than just a taste of law enforcement. It gives them the tools to lead.

Hosted by the Atlantic City Police Department, the Junior Police Academy is open to rising fifth and sixth graders, ages 11 and 12. It’s a structured yet inspiring summer journey that blends discipline, physical fitness, character-building, and teamwork, all wrapped in a supportive and motivating environment.

Where Futures Begin

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Each year, dozens of students enroll not knowing what to expect. Some are nervous about the physical challenges. Others have never spoken in front of a group. But by the end of the program, they’re standing taller—more confident, more focused, and more connected to the idea that greatness comes through hard work.

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From military drills and public speaking to locker inspections and leadership elections, every part of the academy is intentional. It’s not about creating future officers—it’s about preparing future leaders. Students are encouraged to push past fear, to speak up, and to support one another as teammates. They also learn the importance of physical wellness, mental toughness, and resilience—skills they’ll carry far beyond the classroom.

A City That Believes in Its Youth

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Like many youth-focused initiatives in Atlantic City, the Junior Police Academy is rooted in the belief that structure and support can change lives. Officers involved in the program mentor students not just for two weeks, but for life. That mentorship has already made a generational impact: three past academy graduates are now full-time police officers—two in Atlantic City, one in Ocean City.

After a summer of drills, training, and education (with a little fun along the way), this year’s class celebrated their graduation—marking the close of another season of growth and the beginning of something much bigger.

Why Atlantic City?

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The Junior Police Academy is one of several summer programs that reflect what makes Atlantic City a great community—not just for entertainment or vacation, but to live, to work, and to grow. These opportunities are part of a larger citywide commitment to creating spaces where young people are seen, supported, and inspired.

From the Mayor’s scholarship initiatives and Summer Youth Employment Program, to neighborhood events and creative mentorship programs, Atlantic City is investing in its next generation with purpose.

A City in Motion

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Every summer, the city takes bold steps forward. Through public safety programs, arts and culture initiatives, educational investments, and youth development opportunities, Atlantic City continues to prove what locals already know: this is a city that believes in its people—especially its young ones.

Whether it’s on the boardwalk, at a community center, or standing in line at morning formation—opportunity lives here.