The VPD Cadet Program, proudly funded by the Vancouver Police Foundation with support from our generous donors, is now accepting applications from Vancouver teens entering Grade 10, 11 or 12, living in or attending school in Vancouver, to join Class 11 which begins in September 2024.
The Cadet program provides Vancouver high school students with an intensive and inspiring leadership program that is truly life changing. Many of these students are vulnerable youth with high-risk backgrounds, volatile family situations, and/or are refugees. From September to May every year, the VPD Cadet Program offers a unique opportunity for youth to participate in applied educational workshops, physical training, recreational activities, community service, and drill. They will also get an inside look at different police units, including the Marine Unit, Mounted Squad, Canine Unit, Traffic Section, and Gang Crime Unit, to understand how they work together to serve and protect Vancouver residents.
It is through all these teachings and experiences that Cadets will also learn life skills to help them become leaders in the community, assist them in navigating difficult decisions, and learn how to set and achieve goals. Inevitably, Cadets will also make lifelong friendships with fellow Cadets, who will become like a second family.
We recently chatted with four current VPD Cadets to learn about their personal experience in the program – and what being a VPD Cadet means to them.
CADET STAFF SERGEANT SADIE COLEMAN
Vancouver Technical Secondary
Number of Years in Cadets: 3
“Being in VPD cadets has made an impact in my life in so many ways that I will be forever grateful for. It has specifically made me feel more confident in my own voice. This is something that is important in high school. When there is so much peer pressure it starts to get hard to say no. Being in cadets has always given me so much respect from everyone in every way.
I am now more confident in standing my ground and abiding by my own morals which has greatly helped me develop into who I want to become in these teenage years. Without gaining this confidence in myself, I’m sure I would have given into activities that ‘everyone else does’ even when I know it’s not the right thing. By being the one who stands up to say ‘no’ to these pressures, it’s allowed others around me to have the confidence to also say ‘no’. I am so thankful to have had this special experience as a Cadet and I am very appreciative of how it’s helped me become the person I’ve always aspired to be.”
CADET CORPORAL KIRUTHIKA CHANDRAKUMAR
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary
Number of Years in Cadets: 3
“VPD Cadets have made a huge impact on my life. Without Cadets, I wouldn’t have become the better person I am today. All of us Cadets uphold the most strong core principle, ICARE (integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence). It has taught me many things about life, particularly the value of discipline, holding oneself and others accountable, and having integrity. I used to find myself being less productive and lacking motivation, but being a cadet has changed that. It has given me structure, purpose, and a sense of direction.
If I hadn’t joined Cadets, I honestly wouldn’t have known what to do with my life. Through Cadets, I have not only gained valuable life lessons and discipline, but I have also made long lasting friendships. In the past, I was bullied and felt afraid to open up and make new friends. But Cadets showed me that there are good people out there who will accept and support me for who I truly am. I am forever grateful for the amazing Cadet instructors (Constable Baird, Constable Wong, TL Max, and Miss Currie) who have played a significant role in shaping me into the young adult I am today. Their guidance, dedication, and hard work have made a very big impact on my life. I truly believe that without them, I wouldn’t have come this far.
Cadets has been a life-changing experience that has taught me the importance of honesty, accountability, and holding myself to a higher standard. It has shown me the power of discipline and the value of lasting friendships. I am proud to be a cadet and grateful for the positive influence it has had on my life.”
CADET CORPORAL MACE CARNAHAN
Vancouver Technical Secondary
Number of Years in Cadets: 3
“I am very lucky to be in my third year of the VPD cadet program. I joined in grade 10 and I was not doing the best at the time. I didn’t have a lot of friends or people to rely on in my life. This program has given me so much. I’ve been introduced to some of the most amazing, kind, caring, understanding people who I’ve formed close bonds with.
I’ve been given opportunities to work on my public speaking, leadership skills and even the basic things like learning how to iron my own clothes. Most importantly, the cadet program has given me the self-confidence to pursue my goals, such as applying for early admission at post-secondary institutions, applying with the Canadian Armed Forces, and applying for huge scholarships – just a few examples of things I have been inspired to do because of my time with the Cadet program. The Cadets has had a huge impact on my life and helped me change for the better. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a Cadet.”
CADET STAFF SERGEANT ANDA BALAN
Point Grey Secondary
Number of Years in Cadets: 3
“Growing up, I had always been a quiet kid, focused only on academics and not hanging out with many kids. When I had joined the cadet program, that all changed. The program has given me opportunities to push myself, gain confidence, and make a ton of friends. It’s an amazing program that has taught me so much ever since grade 10. If I had not gotten the chance to join, I would still be the quiet girl, focusing more on her academic life than the balance between personal, social and, academic. If I had not joined, I would not be able to make as many friends as I do now.
For myself, participating in the Cadet program has impacted my life greatly, and in a positive way. It has helped me grow my confidence levels, as well as push me to be the best version of myself. Not only that, is has given me opportunities to grow in my leadership skills. It has taught me discipline, accountability, respect, and confidence through drill and eye-opening presentations from amazing guest speakers. Cadets has opened up many doors to rare and amazing opportunities for me. This program is a once in a lifetime experience. The VPD Cadets has become my second home with everyone involved being my second family.”
We would like to thank Sadie, Mace, Kiruthika, and Anda for sharing their personal stories about Cadets with us. As you can see through their experiences, it is through the Cadet program that teens are able to build personal confidence and experience self-growth that they might not have thought was even possible. Since the program launched in 2014, the VPD Cadet program has impacted nearly 450 Vancouver teens.
The VPD Cadets are currently accepting applications from Vancouver teens entering Grade 10, 11 and 12 to join Class 11 which begins in September 2024. Deadline to apply is May 24, 2024. For MORE INFRMATION & TO APPLY NOW, CLICK HERE.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
