Detroit – Applications for summer internships in the Mayor’s Time Public Safety and Service Academy (MTPSA) will be available starting March 17th at the Detroit Fire Training Academy (2775 W. Warren) and the Detroit Police Department (DPD) Police Community Services office (7310 Woodward).  Students and young adults ages 16-18 are eligible to participate in the internship program.  Applications are due by March 31.

Through a new partnership with DPD interns and other members of the MTPSA will receive 5 bonus points during the application process to become a member of the DPD.  This hiring preference comes on the heels of a recent announcement by Mayor Kilpatrick to hire more than 500 new police officers.

A past internship graduate, Rogi Banks, said, “During the eight-week internship I formed relationships and friendships that have exceeded far beyond short term.  I had the chance to network with individuals I feel will have a positive influence on my future.”

The interns will work approximately 20 hours per week and will gain valuable experience and skills that will help prepare them for careers in public safety and service.  Their internships start on June 23, 2008 and will continue for six weeks.  The summer internships are in addition to the Mayor’s Time Public Safety and Service Academy class work, which is offered to all Detroit Public School students at either Randolph or Golightly Career and Technical Center during the school year.

Students begin the three-year MTPSA curriculum in the 9th or 10th grade.  Upon completion of the program, they will be on their way to careers as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, homeland and private security officers and public service agencies.  They also can receive 12 credits at Wayne County Community College District towards their associate’s degree upon completing the program.

During the school year, approximately 80 students enrolled in the MTPSA spent half of the school day at their regular high schools, and the other half at one of the career-technical centers.  A curriculum was developed collaboratively by the partners specifically for the MTPSA; several members of the police, fire and emergency medical services departments are certified teachers.  In addition to learning technical skills and the culture of the public safety professions, students receive life-skills training such as health, nutrition, self-esteem, etiquette, conflict resolution, public speaking and study skills.

Participants in the internship program will also participate in a mock-disaster training drill and receive teen CERT Training, which includes First Aid and CPR certification.

The Mayor’s Time Public Safety and Service Academy was developed through a partnership between Mayor’s Time, City of Detroit Homeland Security, Police, Fire Departments and EMS Division, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Detroit Public Schools and Wayne County Community College District.

For more information contact Jeff Griffith at 313.965.4135 or 313.414.1202.