National PAL Youth Leadership Program

Through the Edward Byrne Memorial Congressionally Recommended Awards program, the Office of Justice Programs helps communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and supports training and technical assistance programs and other efforts that strategically target local needs. This program is authorized to organizations identified in the Text and Joint Explanatory Statement, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009.

The proposed National PAL Youth Leadership Program (NP YLP) offers local towns, cities and rural sites an opportunity to provide an established leadership program that develops youths' leadership and good decision making skills and incorporates meaningful community service, building upon the successes of existing Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) organizations. Under the leadership of the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc. (National PAL), local and state PAL Chapters will enhance their ongoing efforts to reach at-risk youth. PALs have already proven themselves to be a positive force in their communities and this program will build upon their capacity to serve and guide needy youth. This initiative focuses on developing leadership skills while building relationships of trust and respect among law enforcement and youth, particularly those youth identified as at-risk and underserved. National PAL is a strong and sound organization, dedicated to serving at-risk youth for more than 67 years. This request for $400,000 partners 25 PALs in communities with the established National PAL Youth Leadership curriculum. Each PAL will receive technical assistance to implement the leadership program and its tracking system designed to collect data measuring achievement of performance measures.
NCA/NCF