RALEIGH--After making it through the Raleigh Police Department's “charm school,” 12 young women won free Lenovo ThinkPads.

RPD teamed up with Amazing Graze Etiquette to offer the unique program.

Police officers recommend the girls, who learn that it's okay to make mistakes, and there's always room to do better.

"We learn things like how to control our anger. We learn things such as forgiveness, why you should love yourself, etiquette, manners," said charm school student Alexis James.

"I hope they get out of it, the true potential that they have. To say, 'You know what, my life does have value. I do matter. And I can impact others in a positive way,'" said Raleigh Police Department's Lt. John Noble.

Triangle United Way provided the computers, and IBM employees showed the girls how to put them to work.

"This is going to be their first hands-on experience with hardware, and moving away from just their cell phones and things like that," said IBM's Maurice McGregor.

Raleigh officers serve as coaches and mentors to this charm school, which focuses on everything from drug and gang awareness, to time and stress management, to giving back through community service.

"Where are you at today? And where are you going to be tomorrow? And we can help you," said Lt. Noble.

"It makes me feel very proud and honored that so many people have set aside time to help us and to interact with us. Because I know that they don't have to," said James.

Program leaders hope to culture a greater interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The laptops should help the students stay connected, but the lessons learned seem to serve everyone involved.

"It's similar to voting. You know, you can't complain about who's in office if you don't go and cast your vote. So, this is my vote for a better tomorrow, and this is how I'm getting it done," said McGregor.