Butler County students are encouraged to apply for the teen academy program offered by the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. It’s a one-day experience, but the FBI intends to pack it to the brim with learning opportunities.

This is a unique opportunity for any junior or senior who has a GPA of 3.0 or higher and who lives in Western Pennsylvania. If a student is thinking about a career in law enforcement, this will be a hands-on chance to experience what their jobs might look like.

According to www.fbi.gov, the teen academy, which is offered annually, provides a chance to develop leadership skills, explore the level of fitness required and learn about forensic sciences and several topics. All discussions are age-appropriate.

Topics will include violence prevention, online threats and the risk of hoaxes impacting teens’ ability to protect themselves.

Most people learn what they know about the FBI from television shows or movies. It’s not always an accurate picture. The FBI becomes involved in investigations when a crime violates federal law, spans multiple state lines or takes place on federal property.

The FBI has an array of job opportunities for those who choose that path. This academy will give students a chance to check out those jobs and see what the FBI world is really like.

Zelienople police Lt. Kevin Mikulan recently graduated from the FBI National Academy after a 10-week course. He is the second in his department to have completed the academy. Only about 1% of law enforcement professionals worldwide are chosen to attend the academy. There are lots of paths Mikulan could take now, but he intends to take what he learned about leadership back to his department.

Mikulan’s experience could be a potential next step for students later in their lives. It’s a testament to the possibilities available to future graduates, which could include current juniors and seniors who take advantage of the teen academy.

We feel that any learning opportunity offered to our students that could help them build their futures is one worth pursuing.

The FBI Pittsburgh Division will host three teen academy programs in September across Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Current high school juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are invited to apply at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/pittsburgh/community-outreach.

— KL