Do you know a Vancouver teen looking for a unique opportunity to build confidence and leadership skills while being surrounded by like-minded peers and supportive mentors? The VPD Cadet program is now accepting applications from Vancouver teens entering Grade 10, 11 or 12, living in or attending school in Vancouver, to join the program which starts this September. Proudly funded by the Vancouver Police Foundation and its generous donors, VPD Cadets is now in its 12th year, supporting young people in leadership development and maximizing their potential.

The Cadet program provides teens, many of whom are youth with high-risk backgrounds, volatile family situations, and/or are refugees, with an intensive and inspiring leadership program that is truly life changing. The best part? This comprehensive program, including all supplies, materials and experiences, is totally free of charge for all participants, thanks to the Vancouver Police Foundation and the Foundation’s incredible donors.

Over 28 weeks from September to May, the VPD Cadet Program offers a unique opportunity for youth to participate in applied educational workshops, physical training, recreational activities, community service, and drill (a team-based exercise that promotes camaraderie, ésprit-de-corps and collaboration). They will also get an inside look at different VPD specialties, including the Marine Unit, Mounted Unit, 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 and develop important connections with program mentors, all of whom will become like a second family.

The VPD Cadet program is a profoundly transformative opportunity, but don’t take our word for it – we are pleased to share a few testimonials from Cadets themselves about how the program changed the course of their lives:

“Being in 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, which is important in high school when there is so much peer pressure it starts to get hard to say no. Being more confident in standing my ground and abiding by my own morals has helped me so much to develop who I want to become in these teenage years. By being the one who stands up to say no to pressures, it’s allowed others around me the confidence to also say no.”

- Sadie Coleman, Vancouver Technical Secondary

“The program has given me opportunities to push myself, gain confidence, and make a tonne of friends. For myself, participating in the Cadet program has impacted my life greatly, and in a positive way. This program has become my second home with everyone involved being my second family.”

- Anda Balan, Point Grey Secondary

“This program has given me so much, from close friendships to skills like public speaking and leadership. Most importantly, it has given me the self-confidence to pursue my goals, like applying for early admission, the Canadian Armed Forces, and major scholarships. The Cadet program has had a huge impact on my life and helped me change it for the better.”

- Mace Carnahan, Vancouver Technical Secondary

“I used to hold myself back from trying activities that I felt incapable of carrying out, but Cadets has taught me to break through the limits I created for myself. A core value this program instilled in me was to not be the best, but to do my best. You also meet many like-minded people your age and are able to discover your true potential as a person."

– Aish Indran, David Thompson Secondary

“My experience in Cadets has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I have learned so much, all while making meaningful connections and friendships with other like-minded individuals. Overall, I feel that my time in Cadets has helped me develop important life skills, given me a strong sense of purpose, and helped me grow into a more confident and capable person. I've found that being part of this supportive community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.”

– Aryan Gautum, John Oliver Secondary

As you can see through their experiences, it is through the Cadet program that teens are able to access life-changing opportunities, explore personal growth, and build an extraordinary community that they might not have thought was ever possible. Since the program launched in 2014, the VPD Cadets has greatly impacted more than 500 Vancouver teens.

Will you make a gift to support Cadet Class 12 and the VPD Cadet Program?
If your answer is yes, click here to donate.

Your gift will help continue providing this life-changing program at no cost to participants—equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and leadership experience they need to thrive.

The VPD Cadets are currently accepting applications from Vancouver teens entering Grade 10, 11 and 12 to join Class 10 which begins in September 2025.

Application deadline is May 23, 2025.

Click here for more information and to apply.

VPD Cadet Program is Changing Lives Across Vancouver