Charles County Sheriff's Office Launches Youth Outreach Program

Project Y.O.U. will bring together police and youth for after-school activities focused on life skills, academics, and community engagement.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Charles County Sheriff's Office is launching a new pilot program called Project Y.O.U. (Youth Outreach Unified) as part of its Youth Engagement Unit. The program will bring together police officers and CCSO employees to work with local youth after school, twice a week, focusing on life skills, academic support, leadership, fitness, and hands-on activities.

Why it matters

The program aims to build confidence and help teens make smart choices, addressing concerns about youth engagement and community-police relations. It's one of several youth initiatives offered by the Sheriff's Office, demonstrating their investment in supporting local youth.

The details

Project Y.O.U. was designed by officers in the Youth Engagement Unit, who studied a similar successful program in Kansas City and created an outreach vehicle, informational videos, and graphics to introduce the pilot to families. The program will be limited to 30 participants in the initial session, with plans to expand it in the future based on evaluation.

  • Project Y.O.U. will launch on April 7, 2026 and run through May 27, 2026.
  • The program will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm.
  • Registration for the pilot program closes on March 23 at 3 pm.

The players

Sheriff Troy D. Berry

The Sheriff of Charles County, who stated the office is invested in the youth and community and that Project Y.O.U. will give young people an opportunity to grow, learn, and lead.

Charles County Parks and Recreation

The department supporting the Sheriff's Office in launching the Project Y.O.U. pilot program.

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What they’re saying

“We are invested in our youth and in this community. Project Y.O.U. gives our youth an opportunity to grow, learn, and lead. Thanks to the officers who researched, planned, and created this program, and with the support of Charles County Parks and Recreation, we're ready to launch the pilot and look forward to expanding it in the future.”

— Sheriff Troy D. Berry (ccso.us)

What’s next

After evaluating the first session of Project Y.O.U., the goal is to expand the program to serve more youth in the community.

The takeaway

Project Y.O.U. demonstrates the Charles County Sheriff's Office's commitment to engaging with local youth and building stronger community-police relationships through innovative programs focused on personal development and positive activities.