Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 19, 2009 12:00 PM
Efforts are underway to maintain a popular program that introduces youth to law enforcement. The RCMP are currently looking at ways to operate the Jean Minguy Memorial Youth Academy after Vernon School District funding dissolved. “We do have a plan in place for sustainable funding,” said Insp. Reg Burgess. Specifically, the goal is to fundraise through an adopt-a-cadet program. “We would put it out to businesses and community groups to sponsor a child,” said Burgess. “That kind of program has worked in other communities.” The cost of the academy is $500, with the student previously paying $250 and their school contributing $250. However, tight budgets forced the school district to withdraw any funding.
“There is administration time we’re putting into it but no actual dollars,” said Joe Rogers, the district’s director of student learning. The problem, according to Rogers, is there is no provincial funding available because the academy does not provide credits towards high school graduation. This year, each student will pay $300 and organizers hope the remaining $200 can be fundraised. “We think it’s an important program and we’re working with the RCMP on it,” said Rogers. Six or seven businesses have already agreed to sponsorship, but based on the 40 students that participated this year, about $8,000 is required. The local RCMP detachment is also looking within its budget to see if some money may be available for the academy. But Burgess is hopeful the community will rally behind the initiative. “The idea is to set it up so it’s totally sustainable,” he said. Most of the expenses go towards rent and food at the army camp, which is used to simulate RCMP depot training for a week.
City of Vernon officials are pushing to have the academy continue. “It’s a very worthwhile project,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “It keeps our youth pointed in the right direction and it’s been very successful.”
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