Many students find it tough to adjust when transitioning from elementary and middle school, and again when they head into high school. Fortunately, the Torrance Police Department’s (TPD) John Neu Leadership Academy (Academy), provides leadership and interpersonal skills training to help students prepare for their future.

Academy staff selected students from Jefferson Middle School, Bert Lynn Middle School and Edison Elementary School in Torrance Unified School District based on their good standing in school and leadership potential. The students formed a bond through after-school activities that help develop emotional maturity, hone interpersonal skills, and provide tips and practice for public speaking.

The mission of the program is to promote leadership, facilitate life skills instruction, and instill accountability in participants at this critical juncture in their personal development. The program also provides education in the areas of drugs and alcohol aversion and prepares them to deal with peer pressure associated with their journey into young adulthood, which helps them stay strong and focused on achieving their dreams. Additional instruction is provided to aid them in developing healthy relationships and promote effective decision-making.

The John Neu Leadership Academy began in 2011 under former Torrance Police Chief John Neu’s leadership in partnership with Torrance Refining’s Community Relations staff. The program originally focused on eighth graders, but over the past 14 years has expanded to include fifth graders as well, both critical development years. Torrance Refining Company donates $10,000 annually to fund this impactful program for local youth. To date, more than 200 students have benefitted from attending this unique Academy.

One of the program highlights is the ropes course eighth graders compete in as a team at the Campfire USA facility in Long Beach. Isiah and Youssef (pictured) are two eighth graders who competed in the program who said it was “really fun,” and that they would highly recommend the course to their friends. We spoke with them right before they went up a 40-foot ladder to balance and work together to cross between two beams standing on a single rope. They were friends before attending the Academy, which has brought them closer together.

“It was really cool – I did not know what to expect, but it is a really fun time on Tuesdays after school. The food is good too. We get to do fun activities and it is a relaxed time to hang out with my friends,” said Isiah. “That rope looks really high – I’m a little nervous, it’s been a while since I’ve been up that high.”

Ten minutes later, Isiah and Youssef were helping each other across the rope. Their nervous smiles turned into confidence as they reached the other side and high-fived each other.

The participants will soon graduate from the John Neu Leadership Academy and another group from a middle school or elementary school in Torrance will be introduced to new friends, activities, and skills to help them transition to the next stage in their young lives. We are proud of the 2024-2025 graduates and wish Isiah, Youssef and all the other students in the program a lifetime of leadership and success.

For more information about the John New Leadership Academy, click here.