"STAR/PAL brings youth and law enforcement together today... to build safer communities tomorrow."
About STAR/PAL

STAR/PAL Program Overview

STAR/PAL is a nonprofit organization that provides over 10,000 youth services annually, for children ages 6-17, in underserved and inner-city neighborhoods throughout the city and county of San Diego with opportunities otherwise not afforded to them. STAR/PAL offers free educational, athletic and recreational programs catering to the different ages and needs of children living in our community. STAR/PAL programs are always free of charge and embody positive youth development while promoting academic success through structured activities and mentorship. All STAR/PAL Program Directors are full-time law enforcement officers who coordinate youth programs, recruit additional law enforcement and community volunteers that work directly with youth.

STAR/PAL Mission Statement

The mission of STAR/PAL is to inspire and aid the youth of greater San Diego to make positive life choices through active participation in educational, athletic and recreational activities in collaboration with community partners.


STAR/PAL Goals

  • Contribute to the decrease in juvenile crime & violence.
  • Develop positive relationships between young people and role models from the entire community.
  • Provide positive and structured leisure time opportunities and encourage youth participation.
  • Keep our youth in school.
Through its multi-dimensional, law enforcement related programming, STAR/PAL assists underserved youth to stay in school and realize their potential to succeed. One of our objectives is to ensure that youth participants build character and discover non-violent pathways to a successful adult life by promoting healthy and positive activities while reducing destructive behavior patterns. In the last few years, all STAR/PAL programs have adopted a crime prevention focus, steering youth from negative influences and choices that deter from positive child development while introducing them to healthy alternatives and positive law enforcement role models.

STAR/PAL's committed partners include: City of San Diego Police, Park & Recreation, Fire-Rescue Department and Libraries; County of San Diego Probation, Sheriff, Office of Education, Parks & Recreation and Libraries; as well as Federal Border Patrol and FBI. The staff of STAR/PAL includes employees from San Diego Police, County Probation and the STAR/PAL Board.