The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has began the launch of an Explorer Program for students in the Newton County School system.

The Explorers program is a high school co-ed career education program that provides hands-on activities, trips and education about the law enforcement profession. Students ages 14 (who have completed the eighth grade) to 20 are eligible.

“The Explorer program provides experiences to help teens mature and it prepares them to become responsible and caring adults who will be able to make wise decisions about their future career,” said NCSO Lt. Tyrone Oliver.

Through the program, students will receive training with NCSO deputies to compete in several different state competitions and a large annual competition held each year in Tennessee.

There are also various scholarship opportunities through the program. Students who meet the criteria and want to know more about the program are invited to attend the first meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the NCSO. Questions will be answered and packets of information will be available for parents. A $20 fee is required for anyone signing up for the program that night.

Meetings for Explorers will be held every second and fourth Thursday beginning in February. For more information contact Investigator Mark Joyner at (678) 625-1471or mjoyner@newtonsheriffga.org  or Investigator Dora Brock at (678) 625-1453 or through e-mail at dbrock@newtonsheriffga.org.