College hosts FBI Teen Academy

Penn College was the site of a two-day FBI Teen Academy last week. The program allows high school students to get a comprehensive look into today’s FBI, covering the topics of terrorism, cybercrime, public corruption, polygraph exams, evidence response, SWAT and the day-to-day operations of a typical FBI office. Participants learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists and professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and assisting with cases.

The program is designed to bring a diverse set of students together to develop leadership skills and explore career options. Teens attending – all entering ninth to 12th grade – were selected through a competitive process: Each had to submit a one-to-two-paragraph essay describing why they wanted to attend the academy.

“We have a great working relationship with the FBI locally, as they have assisted us in several cases over the last few years,” said David C. Pletz, Penn College’s chief of police and director of campus safety. “They have access to many valuable resources, and they continue to offer us support. That is why we offered to host the event when they asked.”