Louisville FBI seeking high school students: Here’s why

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Students either about to enter or graduate from high school are invited to join the FBI Louisville Teen Academy this summer.

On Wednesday, the FBI Louisville branch invited all interested high schoolers, including incoming freshmen, to attend the 2025 FBI Louisville Teen Academy from July 14 through 17.

Why invite teens into the world of federal criminal justice?

“Recognizing that today’s high school students are the future leaders of our community, FBI Louisville invites area high schoolers to participate in a week-long immersive experience to learn firsthand about a career with the FBI,” said FBI Louisville Acting Special Agent in Charge Quincy R. Barnett. “If you are curious about how the FBI protects our nation and have an interest in the FBI’s mission statement—to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States—this is the event for you.”

Students don’t need to be interested in the field of criminal justice to apply for the week-long teen academy, FBI Louisville officials said.

How can students apply?

All high school students, including graduating seniors of the class of 2024-2025 and the incoming freshman class for the 2025-2026 school year, are encouraged to fill out an application assessing their school activities and community involvement, paired with an essay. Academy organizers said neither of those elements would be the sole factor in whether or not the applicant gets into the program.

The application and essay are due with a student release form by 5 p.m. on May 23.

For more information about the FBI Louisville Teen Academy and to find the necessary application and permission forms, visit the FBI Louisville website.

Dustin Massengill contributed to this story.