Council committee advances partnership to bring Civica SoHo public‑safety pathway to Somerset Academy in Homestead

The Committee of the Whole voted April 7 to place a proposed partnership with Civica SoHo—intended to create public‑safety career pathways for local students—on the city council agenda.

Chief Knap introduced the item and said the program would link Homestead Police Department staff with students for mentorship and career exposure across a range of public‑safety roles (police, dispatch and potential future tracks for fire/EMS and other emergency services). Laida Morales, identified as principal of Civica SoHo and principal of Somerset Academy South Homestead Elementary, said Civica’s mission is “to build a strong character and get them ready for college and careers” and described initial tracks in criminal justice and education that will allow students to pursue CSA/PSA certifications.

Morales said the program will be nested at Somerset Academy (a K–5 elementary school) while middle and high school components will be added year‑by‑year (beginning with grades 6 and 9 and expanding). She said students could begin the pathway as early as the coming school year, with an initial start date of Aug. 26 and that program materials will be provided to council.

Council members expressed support and asked staff to share pamphlets and implementation details; the committee voted to place the partnership on the council agenda for formal approval.