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Hooked on Heroes fishing event connects Charlotte youth with police, highlights Envision Academy internships
Summary
More than 100 children attended Hooked on Heroes at McAlpine Creek Park, where the Envision Academy — an eight-week paid summer leadership program created by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department — gave students hands-on fishing experience, mentorship and stipends for participation.
More than 100 children turned out at McAlpine Creek Park for the Hooked on Heroes fishing event, where students from the city’s Envision Academy learned to cast rods, connected with police officers and firefighters and, organizers said, walked away with new skills and mentorship.
The event featured students in the Envision Academy, a program the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department first created 10 years ago. The academy is described as an eight-week paid summer leadership program; students who complete the department’s diversion program are often recommended for enrollment.
"I'm happy because it gets me off of my phone, like technology," said a student in the Envision Academy, describing the value of outdoor activities and hands-on learning. Jordan Henry, who attended the academy as a high school student, has returned this summer as an intern; she told reporters that serving as the only intern is an opportunity to demonstrate and improve leadership skills while mentoring younger participants.
Cara Evans Patterson, identified in the segment as supervisor of the Envision Academy, said moving the program under the city's Office of Youth Opportunities has expanded what organizers can offer. A staff member involved with the program said increased funding allows the group to provide transportation and to pay stipends so students have funds for needs and activities.
Organizers said students spend the summer with mentors, visit various workplaces and learn about career paths. "A lot of kids need programs like this to get exposed to different career opportunities," one student said, noting many young participants only know a narrow set of professions.
Staff and organizers framed the fishing event as one of many chances for youth to build relationships with public-safety personnel. Many attendees arrived that morning never having cast a rod; by the end of the event, students left with new connections, practical skills and, for some, a few fish.
The segment did not report any formal votes or policy decisions; organizers characterized the event as part of ongoing summer programming through the Office of Youth Opportunities and the Envision Academy.
