LAPD Cadet Graduating Class Numbers Five Hundred Strong NA13098SF

WHAT:
LAPD Cadet Graduation

WHEN:
Saturday, June 15, 2013
11:00 a.m.

WHERE:
USC Galen Center
3400 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles 90007

WHO:
The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
The Honorable Mayor-Elect Eric Garcetti, Councilmember District 13
Chief Charlie Beck, Chief of Police
Assistant Chief Earl C. Paysinger, LAPD Office of Operations
Five hundred LAPD Cadet Graduates, current Cadets, family members and law enforcement officials

WHY:
The Los Angeles Police Department is hosting its latest Cadet Program Graduation ceremony where a class numbering 500 will participate in the  commencement exercises.  The Cadet Program places a strong emphasis on discipline, leadership, academic excellence and life-skills.  The young adults who participate in the esteemed program range in age from 13 to 20 years. They are in good scholastic standing and represent regions spanning the entire City ofLos Angeles and beyond.  During the eighteen-week Academy term, Cadets receive instruction in an array of study domains that include:

• Leadership Training
• Law Enforcement Principles
• Conflict Resolution
• Physical Fitness
• Life – Skills Education
• Cultural Diversity
• Financial Literacy
• Gang and Narcotics Prevention

This graduation will also feature over one hundred adults who will be awarded certificates for completing our “Cadet Parent Academy” during which they were taught the same courses as their youth and at the same institute.  This companion learning approach enhances the parent/child relationship at home and also deepens the partnership between the LAPD and the members of our communities.

At this event, the LAPD is also pleased to announce the awarding of thousands of dollars in academic scholarships to college-bound seniors which will help catapult them down the path towards success.  The grants are made possible by a substantial contribution by the Ray Charles Foundation.

For more information about this special event, you may contact the LAPD Youth Programs Coordinator Senior Management Analyst Natalie Torres at (213) 486-0100.  For more information please visit: www.LAPDCadets.com or follow us on Twitter @LAPD_Cadets.

PARKING:
Designated parking for the media is located along the west side curb of Figueroa Street facing south, between Jefferson Boulevard and McCarthy Way

CONTACT:
Members of the media are asked to check in with Police Officer Sara Faden, LAPD Media Relations Section at the south entrance to the Galen Center.  For more information, please call LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910.