The Suffolk Police Department and Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue are accepting applications for the seventh Suffolk Youth Public Safety Academy.

The academy, a 10-week after school program focused on at-risk youth between the ages of 13 and 17, begins on March 6. The application deadline is Feb. 7.

Participants gain hands-on experience of what it’s like to be a police officer, firefighter and crime scene investigator. Youth are mentored by police officers and firefighters while experiencing the value of teamwork, discipline and social responsibility.

Lessons and activities include topics such as how to use fire hoses, dangers of energy drinks, arson investigations, Police K-9, crime scene investigation, police and fire ride along, stress management and much more. Youth will be treated to one or two field trip team building exercises. At least one trip will be on a Saturday.

Each week, students are exposed to service learning, teaching them that they can make a difference in their community. With the assistance of the mentors, students will design and implement a community-oriented program. The goal of the program is to provide positive role models, build interest in public safety professions, learn to respect themselves and others and increase confidence by expanding experiences.

The program will begin with orientation on Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. at Suffolk Fire Station 6, 300 Kings Fork Road. The student and one parent or guardian must attend.

The first class will be held on March 6, and classes run each Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be no classes the week of Suffolk Public Schools’ spring break, April 14-18.

A graduation celebration will be held in late May for all students who successfully complete the academy.

The City of Suffolk Parks & Recreation Department provides transportation to and from the program. Youth will be picked up from their schools and transported to the King’s Fork Public Safety Center on Kings Fork Road, where the academy is held. Meals and snacks are provided at each session. Youth will be transported home by bus unless a parent wishes to pick the youth up themselves.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. Applications will be reviewed, and each applicant may be interviewed at their school by the academy’s mentors to decide who will be chosen to fill the 18 participant slots. The application requires a 100-word essay on why the applicant would like to attend the academy.

There is no cost to participants for the program. Applications are available from school resource officers; the King’s Fork Public Safety Center located at 300 Kings Fork Road; Suffolk Police Headquarters located at 111 Henley Place; Suffolk Parks and Recreation offices; and juvenile intake.

Applications also may be obtained by contacting Fire Investigator Pam King at 514-4542 or Detective Joyce Williams at 514-7942.