LEXINGTON, SC—The FBI Columbia field office announced today the FBI Citizens Academy nomination period has been extended. As the spring session has been postponed, nominations are now due June 1. The class begins Thursday, August 7 and meets every Thursday from 4—6 p.m., culminating with a graduation on Sept. 18.

The mission of the FBI Citizens Academy is to foster a greater understanding of the role of federal law enforcement in the community through frank discussion and education.

More information about Citizens Academy can be found on the Community Outreach section of our website at: fbi.gov/columbia. The nomination form can be accessed directly by clicking on the following hyperlink: https://forms.fbi.gov/fbi-citizens-academy-nomination-form-columbia/view.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a recognized business, religious, or community leader
• Live and/or work within the division’s jurisdiction
• Be at least 21 years old
• Consent to a limited background investigation, to include fingerprint checks
• Agree to attend all sessions, with no more than two excused absences

Individuals chosen through the selection process will be notified by email. There is no cost to attend the academy.

Questions can be emailed to the Community Outreach team at Columbia_Outreach@fbi.gov.