YONKERS, NY – The Yonkers Police Department celebrated the achievements of its ASAP (Arrest & Suspension | Alternatives & Prevention) Summer Program at a luncheon last week. The initiative was designed to provide students showing at-risk behavior with positive alternatives.
ASAP allows school administrators to opt for supportive services from the police department instead of arresting or suspending students. The program ran for ten weeks, three days a week, offering students daily lunches and a safe space to spend time during the summer break.
Participants engaged in mentorships with police officers and connected with community leaders. They also had the opportunity to attend talks by weekly guest speakers including professionals from Chase Financial Services, local employment specialists, and Yonkers judges.
Additionally, the students took part in 13 field trips, which included visits to Yankee Stadium, kayaking on the Hudson River, tours of LaGuardia Airport and Greystone Bakery, Yonkers Family Court, and SIC Film Studios, among other activities.