Our Creation – Youth Mentoring Program

Our Creation (OC) is an after school mentoring program designed for at-risk students attending Duluth Middle School. Students are admitted into the program through a referral from either a school administrator or counselor. The student’s parent or legal guardian is required to give the student permission as well as participate in the program designed for the benefit of their child. The program is designed to provide students ages 12-15 with minor disciplinary infractions and/or behavioral problems an environment to learn ‘life skills’ through mentoring by Duluth Police Community Policing Outreach.

Initial referrals require a Student Referral Meeting with the following participants: school administrator or counselor, school resource officer (optional), student, parent (s) or legal guardian, Duluth Police COPS Officer and COPS supervisor. During the initial meeting, student issues, program expectations and program requirements are reviewed.

The program meets weekly and incorporates lessons about physical fitness and life skills for approximately 80 minutes. The program starts at 4:00 PM and ends at approximately 6:00 PM. Students are transported home by Duluth Community Policing Officer using a City Vehicle, primarily a Parks and Recreation Bus.

Duluth Police officers will review student progress with school administrators and school counselors at least once during the nine-week program. The meeting usually follows the issuance of school report cards. The primary goal of the program is to provide mentoring to the student, which ultimately allows the student return to a normal school schedule with a more positive, healthy outlook and increased skills to deal with life. Student participation may be extended for several 9 week periods, but must be reviewed each 9 week period.

The OC Program includes 5-10 students and corresponds with the school calendar regarding holidays and school breaks.

Students must maintain passing grades or show academic improvement and maintain good student conduct in order to remain enrolled in the program. Students will be removed from the program for any additional disciplinary infractions, juvenile criminal issues and/or behavioral problems.

For additional information contact Sgt Steve Daniels at sdaniels@duluthpd.com