Gilbert Police Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders: A Glimpse Inside the Youth Academy

Photo Courtesy of Gilbert Police Department

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published July 12th, 2025

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GILBERT, AZ – July 11, 2025 – Imagine spending your summer learning to speak up, resolve conflicts, and even getting a taste of police training, all while building friendships. That's exactly what students at the Gilbert Youth Leadership Academy (GYLA) experienced this summer, as the Gilbert Police Department (GPD) wrapped up another successful program, celebrating its latest graduates, GYLA Class 10!

Each year, Gilbert PD opens its doors for two special summer sessions of GYLA, led by their incredibly dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs). This isn't your typical summer camp; it's a dynamic experience designed to equip young people with those vital skills they'll carry for life.

Students dive into a wide range of interactive classes and activities. They tackle public speaking, learning to express themselves clearly and confidently. They hone effective communication skills and get a deep dive into social media awareness, understanding its power and pitfalls. Conflict resolution and team-building are also big parts of the curriculum, helping them navigate tricky situations and work together seamlessly.

And it's not all classroom work! Held right at the Gilbert Public Safety Training Facility, GYLA offers an unparalleled "behind-the-scenes" look at what it takes to be in law enforcement. Picture this: students wearing specialized goggles to simulate impairment, learning firsthand about making responsible choices. They even get hands-on experience with the VirTra training simulator, stepping into a virtual world to understand split-second decisions officers face. One exciting moment even saw a student rappelling down a structure, pushing their limits and building trust!

Beyond the more intense training, there's plenty of fun and camaraderie. Students collaborate on engaging projects, like the thrill of an escape room challenge, all while strengthening their bonds as a team. From classroom discussions to high-fives after a successful group activity, the academy builds a strong sense of community.

"Every year, it's inspiring to see these young individuals grow," shares a representative from Gilbert PD. "We truly believe that by investing in our youth and providing them with these leadership tools, we are building a #SaferAndStronger Gilbert for everyone."

The program culminates in a moment of pride, as photos show graduating students standing tall alongside Gilbert Police officers and staff, celebrating their accomplishments and the journey they've shared.

Know a high school student who could benefit from this incredible experience? Encourage them to explore the next round! You can learn more about the Gilbert Youth Leadership Academy by visiting glbrt.is/GYLA. It's more than just a program; it's an investment in the future leaders of Gilbert.

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Gilbert Police Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders: A Glimpse Inside the Youth Academy. Photo Credit: Gilbert Police Department