Fort Worth ISD News

Three years ago, Fort Worth ISD started a partnership with the Fort Worth Police Department that would directly impact employment for students.

As part of the dual credit Criminal Justice pathway with Fort Worth ISD, students are eligible for certain City of Fort Worth jobs, either permanently or until they are old enough to join the police academy if they wish.

The program started at just two campuses — South Hills High School and Eastern Hills High School — and now includes Southwest and O.D. Wyatt high schools. In just one year, the number of classes more than doubled as student interest grew. 

Students in the program learn about laws and criminal codes that police officers need to learn. In the second year of the program, students get into what police cadets learn. It functions as a two-year, age appropriate police academy. 

By the time students graduate, if they do the entire program, they will have a Level 1 certificate and 15 college credit hours. But aside from the collegiate benefit, the students also learn leadership and citizenship skills.

As part of the program, students simulate situations officers are faced with and given lessons and tools to de-escalate the situation. Whether or not they join the police force, the skills they learn can help them in any job. The goal of the program is to develop leaders and good citizens.

And, it helps the students build valuable relationships and role models. Officers who teach or assist with the program can be spotted in the stands at students’ games or the audience at their concerts. The pathway is building more than successful graduates, it’s building futures for students.