“I Always Knew I Wanted to Be a Police Officer”

916 Education Foundation Helped Him Realize His Dream

In 9th Grade, Jake Uhl knew he wanted a career in law enforcement.  

This year he is celebrating his fifth year as a licensed police officer, thanks in part to a scholarship from the 916 Education Foundation that helped him get a college degree in law enforcement.

Back in high school, Jake began a methodical exploration of what would be his career. He joined the Roseville Police Explorer Post. “They taught us how to handle different situations,” he recalls. “How to respond to domestic assault and traffic stop scenarios.” By his senior year in high school, Jake took a 916 Intermediate School District class in law enforcement taught by a retired police officer.

When he graduated high school, the 916 Education Foundation awarded him a scholarship to help pay for tuition at Metro State University, where Jake enrolled in a four-year degree program in law enforcement. “The scholarship, along with part-time work during schooling, enabled me to graduate without debt,” Jake says. 

Jake also received college credit for his Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District courses, allowing him to graduate early and save on tuition.

One of his part-time jobs while in college was working as a community service officer all four years. Jake also joined the Roseville Police Reserve program while in college. “I handled parking complaints and animal complaints. I got to ride in a squad car and interact with licensed police officers. This only strengthened my drive to become a police officer.” 

Jake graduated from Metro State and was immediately hired by the City of Maple Grove, where he worked as an officer for three years. This was followed by a year on the Roseville police force. Now he is a member of the Metropolitan Airports Commission police force.

“Every day is different, which is one thing I love about being a police officer,” Jake says, “We handle domestic disputes, mental health calls, TSA security violations and making sure airport employees use their badges properly.”

Jake loves policing. “I use my discretion to decide what is important. I like the freedom to focus on what needs attention.”

And he still appreciates the career assist he got from the 916 Education Foundation.