City of Raleigh News Release - Raleigh Police Department Charm School

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs
Prepared by: Christopher Riley, Senior Public Affairs Specialist

For more information: Lt. John Noble, Raleigh Police Department, 919-996-1367

July 9, 2012

Raleigh Police Department’s Charm School Students to Receive Computers from Triangle United Way

The City of Raleigh Police Department Youth and Family Services Section has received a donation of 12 Lenovo ThinkPads from Triangle United Way.

The section will present the laptop computers to young ladies participating in its Charm School program. The presentations will be made July 10 during an IBM-sponsored STEM Day (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). After the girls receive their computers, IBM volunteers will familiarize them with their new laptops and show them how to operate Microsoft Windows and Office 7.

The Charm School program serves young women who were recommended by Raleigh Police Department officers. According to Lt. John Noble, “One of the most important things about the school is its ability to convey to young women that they truly have value. That can be a huge step towards a healthier self image.” According to Lt. Noble the young ladies in the program learn to challenge themselves, and they learn that it is okay to make mistakes but that they can always do better.

The City of Raleigh Police Department and Amazing Grace Etiquette collaborate to provide the Charm School, which is a two-level program. Charm School I provides a foundation for further development during Charm School II, and participants must successfully complete the first level to be eligible for an invitation to attend the second one. Raleigh police officers serve as coaches during both levels of the program. In addition, police officers provide mentoring to the girls during the school year.

Charm School I, which was held June 18-29, focuses on teaching and mentoring young women ages 12 to 16 on topics such as coping skills, goal setting, self-esteem, anger management, etiquette, and hygiene. Participants interact with speakers who present ideas and discuss topics such as bullying, relational aggression, nutrition, basic car care, HIV and STD prevention, drug and gang awareness, and successful study habits. Charm School I concludes with the presentation of completion certificates during a luncheon celebration at the Raleigh Marriott Hotel.

Charm School II will be held July 9-13. The students of Charm School II are selected by the Raleigh Police Department and the executive director of Amazing Grace Etiquette. Students are taught the importance of time management, forgiveness, and stress management. Charm School II compels participants to take a more in-depth look at themselves, and students also give back to the community through service work.
As the course nears its end, students are presented with a gift card used to buy dress attire, and they spend an afternoon at a hair salon. Those steps are preparation for a formal dinner at Brier Creek Country Club that will mark their graduation from the program.