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4-13-2025 12:22am
Westwood American Legion Post 320 Announces Sponsorship Offer to Student Troopers
Darlene Cancell
Editor
The Westwood American Legion Post 320 has announced this month that it is extending a sponsorship offer, in cooperation with the Massachusetts State Police Academy, to allow students to attend the Student Trooper Program, an intensive week-long residential program held in July at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree. The offer is extended to Westwood resident and non-resident students alike who attend Westwood High School or Xaverian Brothers High School, are aged 15 to 17 years old, and meet applicant qualifications.
The Student Trooper Program aims to expose young adults to the demands of police training to and develop better relationships between them and the police that serve them.
Post 320 is offering to cover the $400 program fee for those students who are accepted, and encourages high school students aged 15 to 17 years old in good academic standing to apply early, as enrollment in the program will be ongoing before the May 5th application deadline. Westwood Post hopes to be able to sponsor all those who are interested.
The Student Trooper Program includes strict discipline and rigorous and physically stressful training in a paramilitary-type academy setting. Training will be vigorous, and includes running and calisthenics. Reveille is at 5:30 a.m. and “lights out” is 10:00 p.m. Candidates should be highly motivated and willing to work as a team to succeed in daily challenges.
The Post notes that the program is not a summer camp for troubled teenagers, is both physically and mentally demanding, and is not appropriate for those with special diets or special physical needs. A physical examination and health statement is required for acceptance.
Veteran Massachusetts State Police trainers will provide classroom and hands-on training in topics such as first aid/CPR, criminal law, officer safety, crime scene investigations, safe driving, leadership, internet safety, team building, and physical fitness. Student Troopers will have the opportunity to observe and participate in demonstrations by members of state police specialty units such as tactical teams, the K-9 Unit, and the Air Wing.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to the space-limited program, which will be selecting candidates even before its application deadline of May 5. Qualities of applicants being sought include good moral character, and a well-groomed and clean-shaven appearance.
Westwood American Legion Post 320 notes, "Student Troopers who graduate from the program will be proud of their accomplishments. The lessons learned will serve them well for years to come."
Those interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Post Commander at info@westwoodalpost320.com.
Thanks to Ken Foscaldo, Executive Board Member of Westwood American Legion Post 320, for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.
