SPRINGFIELD—Applications are now available online for the Springfield Field Office 2024 Citizens Academy, to be held September 5th to October 24th at the FBI Springfield office.

The Citizens Academy program gives business, faith, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. Participants gain insight into the structure and operation of the FBI, obtain an overview of the legal basis for the FBI’s jurisdiction, learn about the services the FBI provides, and even participate in firearms demonstrations and other practical problem-solving activities. A video explaining the program in detail can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxq_zhz8B8c.

“The FBI places a premium on relationships and the Citizens Academy is a proven program for building and maintaining meaningful relationships that help serve and protect our communities,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The Citizens Academy builds trust through open and honest conversations about what we’re seeing and what we’re worried about, and how we can help each other. And many participants continue on after the program to participate in crime prevention and education efforts that benefit our communities.”

Applicants should be business, civic, faith, or community leaders; should be at least 21 years old; must live or work within FBI Springfield’s area of responsibility, (central and southern Illinois), must be a U.S. citizen, and must pass a limited background assessment with fingerprinting.

A nomination form is available on the Community Outreach section of FBI Springfield’s website. Those applying for the academy for themselves, or nominating others, must complete the form and submit it according to the stated guidelines by June 1, 2024.

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

Questions can be directed to FBI Springfield’s Community Outreach team by email at Springfield-Outreach@fbi.gov.