Lachie was one of 23 graduates from the Blue Light Blue Edge pilot program in Ballarat on Monday, with Victoria Police teaming up with Phoenix College this term. Students would arrive at school at 7.15am twice a week for physical fitness challenges and a breakfast before class.

The program aims to grow and empower at-risk youngsters, or those who might need a little extra direction, and challenge their discipline in mind and body. It also works to break down barriers between community and the police and students with teachers.

"That was really difficult, getting to school so early, but my goal was to enjoy myself," Lachie said. "It feels awesome to graduate but also so sad because I might not get this opportunity again. I hope all the hard work I can keep using."

Lachie have a speech on behalf of the graduating class, making note that he had a whole new bunch of friends and people he could trust.

Students were put to the ultimate test late last week in a high ropes course in Lorne that put team work and self-belief to the test.

Leading Senior Constable Des Hudson, one of the program leaders, said the transformation in students was incredible.

"Some of the young kids involved were "rough diamonds" - they had a strength of character they didn't perhaps know about but they can do leadership really well," he said. "It's also about how to make decisions when you're with friends and not necessarily just going along with things."

Phoenix College principal Karen Snibson said this was a true test of resilience and the school community was so proud of what program graduates had achieved.

"We have a high belief in our kids' capacity to be good citizens," Ms Snibson said. "...This was highly challenging with some seriously scary stuff but to see them confront their fears and come out successful - that's really cool."

A small group of school staff worked with the program in fitness challenges and in cooking breakfast.

Ms Snibson said teaming up with Victoria Police was an important partnership that benefit the broader school community.

Police Blue Light has expanded to include mentoring and boxing programs as well as the popular discos, which were often young teenagers' first community interactions with police.

Victoria Police Western Region Acting Commander Deb Robertson, who is also Blue Light Victoria president, said proactive policing was shifting more towards programs with purpose - like Blue Edge.

Acting Commander Robertson said this helps generate connections and greater trust between police and the community.

"It really takes note of what (Victoria Police) Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton has said about respect - respect for the badge all starts here, showing police are here to help the community for the greater good," Acting Commander Robertson said.

"Policing is really changing and focusing on being part of the community."

Five Phoenix graduates have been selected to take part in a state leadership program later this year with Blue Edge students from Victorian pilot program in Shepparton, Dandenong and Fitzroy.

The graduating class was presented to family, school principal Karen Snibson, Ballarat Superintendent Jenny Wilson, Western Region Acting Commander Deb Robertson and Buninyong MP Michaela Settle.

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