Recognizing the Potential in San Diego’s Youth

This community is full of talent and potential—kids and teens with great ideas, passionate souls, and enormous dreams. But under-resourced areas like ours can present roadblocks that stop our most promising achievers from realizing their goals and dreams.

STAR/PAL is a not-for-profit organization devoted to removing those obstacles to help our young people thrive. Law enforcement personnel work through STAR/PAL as volunteers to forge mentorships, friendships, and lifelong support networks for San Diego’s youth. The connections built here open doors, grow minds, and inspire new ideas that shine a light into a world of possibilities.

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Esteban joined the InterACTion program with STAR/PAL, looking for a place to explore some things that were bothering him emotionally. He worked with Officer Mills and the La Jolla Playhouse to develop an artistic monologue that let him explore and express the feelings that had been dogging him his whole life. Through the process and time spent working toward a common goal, Esteban came to trust and respect Officer Mills, and today he credits him with inspiring him to join the San Diego Police Cadet Program and pursue a career in law enforcement.

Gabriel struggled, trying to find his place in the world around him. He participated in InterACTion, where he found a group of welcoming friends and mentors, and found ways to express himself. He was surprised to find that the program also led to the development of close relationships and trust with law enforcement members. He went on to the Making Changes program, where he gained self-confidence and learned to trust himself, and Gabriel emerged as a leader, not only in the program, but at school and in his community. In 2017, he sang the National Anthem at the STAR/PAL fundraising event in front of more than 500 people, and even presented to the City Council.

O. was a gang member and a drug user, and had already had many negative interactions with law enforcement before the age of 18. While involved in the juvenile justice system, his probation officer introduced him to STAR/PAL, and he joined the Life Skills program. O. credits his exposure to this program with helping him see law enforcement in a different light, and with showing him some of the options he had as he exited the justice system. Today, O. has sealed his juvenile criminal record, has stable employment, and plans to join the Police Academy Cadet Program.

Recognizing the Potential in San Diego’s Youth

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