The FBI’s Community Outreach Program supports the Bureau’s investigative mission by working to address multiple interrelated societal problems—including crime, drugs, gangs, terrorism, and violence. Linking community service, prevention, and law enforcement is a national trend spurred by grass roots efforts around the country, and FBI employees have joined this movement, volunteering in a wide variety of community-related efforts.
Outreach Specialist
JoAnn Benson
CTOutreach@fbi.govSocial Media Outreach
FBI New Haven (Facebook)
@FBINewHaven (Twitter)
@FBI (Instagram)
The Citizens Academy is an engaging six-to-eight-week program that gives business, religious, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. Classes meet in the evening at the FBI field office. 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.
Candidates are nominated by FBI employees, former Citizens Academy graduates, and community leaders. Participants are selected by the special agent in charge of the local FBI field office.
To Apply
We are not currently accepting Citizens Academy nominations.
Since 1990, the Director’s Community Leadership Awards has been the principal means for the FBI to publicly recognize achievements of individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to education and the prevention of crime and violence in their communities. Each field office nominates an individual or organization for the award, and, once selected, the recipients are invited to a ceremony and reception at FBI Headquarters.
FBI New Haven, in partnership with the Yale University Police Department, offers a youth program called Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy (FLEYA).
The program is an overnight camp at Yale University. FLEYA gives 30 Connecticut high school students between the ages of 16 and 18 an inside look at today’s FBI while simultaneously exposing them to various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and practices.
Classroom training is provided on various subjects, including: cyber technology, investigative forensics, domestic and international terrorism, civil rights (hate crimes), and more. Information on the FBI Honors Internship Program is also provided. Law enforcement professionals from the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and state and local agencies provide instruction for this unique youth program.
To Apply
The 2024 New Haven Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy is open to 16- to 18-year-old high school sophomores and juniors not graduating in Spring 2024. The academy will be held at Yale University Police Department in New Haven, Connecticut from July 14, to July 20, 2024. Professional behavior and appropriate dress will be required of all students attending this program.
Completed applications, including an essay, must be received by email at FLEYAprogram@fbi.gov no later than March 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Email FLEYAprogram@fbi.gov with any questions about the FLEYA or the application process.