BY Nicholas Pasquarosa
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
Project Description
The Dennis-Yarmouth Police Explorers, Cape and Islands Post 1 was established in the Fall of 2014. The pilot program far exceeded expectations in the areas of student enrollment and the number of Explorer/CERT opportunities available to participants. After completing 10 weeks of Basic CERT training, the Explorers became active with CERT in December of 2014. Between January and July 2015 Post 1 Explorers collectively served over 400 hours of CERT Basic Training and more than 246 volunteer service hours at Explorer/CERT events and deployments. Each explorer spent 33 hours and 30 minutes attending Biweekly Explorer Meetings and Training and 7 hours actively engaged in a planning meeting. Attached you will find a detailed summary log for all the activities and events attended including a special invitation to the attend the Swearing In Ceremony for DA Michael O’Keefe.
As a result of the pilot year, community requests for Explorer involvement and student interest in enrolling in the program has increased at a rapid rate. The funds secured from this application will assist with the ability to register new students into the Explorers Post, purchase police explorers apparel and gear, and CERT apparel and gear to keep up with student demand in hopes that all students interested in engaging in this educational opportunity will be able afforded the opportunity to do so at little or no cost to them. This year, there are 5 new students enrolled and 10 second year students continuing in the DY Explorers Post.
How will the project be evaluated (e.g. how will you gauge its success)
Expansion of Explorer/CERT training activities
Activity log for each Explorer to document and track community service hours and training
Continued growth and enrollment of new students
Benefit to the students and the school
Career specific education
Receipt of certifications prior to graduation from DYRHS
Work experience
Civic engagement-community service hours
Leadership skills
Timeline of Project (when will you do the project, if applicable)
FY 2015-2016 School Year
Explorer/CERT events have already commenced and will continue for the duration of the school year.