Healthy Choices Teen Academy
Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs and Operation Engage to Inspire Healthy Choices and Future Opportunities
The DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) is expanding its impact in Washington, D.C., through two engaging initiatives at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Clubhouse 14. These programs, designed to promote healthy lifestyles, leadership skills, and drug-free living, include a three-week Healthy Choices Teen Academy in partnership with the DEA’s Operation Engage Washington Division and a new ongoing basketball program for younger students. Together, these initiatives offer vital educational experiences and sports training to the local youth.
Healthy Choices Teen Academy: A Journey in Leadership and Drug Prevention
The three-week Healthy Choices Teen Academy ran on consecutive Wednesdays: October 23, October 30, and November 6. High school students from Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County were invited to participate, with many attendees coming from Clubhouse 14. Each session featured a variety of activities and speakers, providing a comprehensive program that focused on drug prevention, leadership skills, and future career opportunities.
On October 23, Pete Harbolick, DEAEF Youth Baseball Program Regional Manager, opened the event with welcoming remarks and introduced SAC Jarod Forget, who provided an overview of the DEA’s role in the community. ASAC Ibrar Mian followed with a presentation on drug prevention and the importance of making healthy choices. The day concluded with a basketball clinic led by Student-Athletes Organized to Understand Leadership (SOUL) programs, which emphasized leadership, life skills, and mental health. The session wrapped up with an exciting tour of DEA vehicles, giving participants a glimpse into the agency’s operations.
The second session, held on October 30, began with a recap by ASAC Ibrar Mian. Dee Dee Anderson, Program Manager for Richmond PD and Founder of RVA C.O.O.K.S., conducted a workshop on presentation skills, resume building, and setting future goals. The day also included a Red Ribbon activity where students wrote inspirational messages, followed by a pizza party to celebrate their participation.
On November 6, the final session kicked off with a recap by ASAC Ibrar Mian followed by a baseball clinic led by Pete Harbolick. During this session, Lois Ludwikowski, DEAEF Executive Office Consultant, assisted in coordinating video testimonials with selected students, capturing their thoughts on the importance of healthy choices. The program concluded with closing remarks by SAC Jarod Forget, a group photo, and student evaluations.
Ongoing Basketball Program: Building Skills and Confidence
In addition to the Healthy Choices Teen Academy, DEAEF has launched a 10-week basketball program at Clubhouse 14, running twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. This ongoing program, led by Coach Peter Harbolick and Coach Crawford Harris, serves 15 students per session from grades 3 to 5. The focus is on fundamental basketball training, team-building exercises, and providing a positive environment where students can grow both athletically and personally.
“Through basketball, we’re not only teaching skills but also emphasizing the importance of a drug-free life. The kids learn the value of teamwork and how it can help them reach their goals, using sports as a positive outlet.”
During one session, DEA Agent Tyrone Guyse joined the program, leading a training session and discussing the importance of making healthy choices and pursuing dreams. At the end of his visit, Agent Guyse distributed DEA-branded basketballs to the students, a gesture that left a memorable impact on the group.
A Growing Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs
This season marks the first collaboration between DEAEF and Clubhouse 14 for the basketball program, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Both students and staff have shown great enthusiasm, and DEAEF looks forward to building a long-term partnership to continue offering these valuable programs. Harbolick emphasized, “The students have been highly engaged, and we’re excited to watch them develop both on and off the court. We hope to see many of these younger students continue into the Teen Academy in the coming years.”
By offering a combination of sports training and educational sessions, the DEA Educational Foundation is helping to foster a community where young people can learn, grow, and make healthy, informed choices. Through partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and support from the DEA’s Operation Engage, these programs are making a lasting difference in the lives of local youth.
Updated Dec 22, 2024
Partnerships, YP