FBI Columbia Field Office Opens Applications for Summer Teen Academy Program in South Carolina

South Carolina high school students can now apply for the FBI Columbia Teen Academy. Deadline for the summer law enforcement program is March 23.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 12:16 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from FBI

A Specialized Glimpse into Federal Law Enforcement

The FBI is opening its doors to the next generation of potential investigators through its intensive summer Teen Academy program in South Carolina. Hosted at the Columbia headquarters in Lexington, the two day event offers rising high school juniors and seniors a rare opportunity to move beyond television depictions and experience the reality of the bureau’s daily operations. By engaging directly with federal agents and professional staff, students gain firsthand knowledge of how the nation’s premier law enforcement agency functions in a complex, modern security environment.

Curriculum and Operational Exposure at Headquarters

Participants in the academy will be immersed in a curriculum that reflects the current priorities of the Department of Justice and the FBI. The sessions are designed to cover a broad spectrum of federal investigations, including high stakes topics such as counterterrorism, public corruption, and violent crime. Students will also receive specialized presentations on technical units, such as evidence response teams and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) division. This exposure is intended to demonstrate the diverse skill sets required to maintain national security and uphold federal laws.

Eligibility Requirements for Prospective Candidates

The bureau has established strict eligibility criteria to ensure that the program reaches highly motivated and qualified students within the region. Applicants must be United States citizens residing in South Carolina and must be enrolled in an accredited high school or recognized home school program. Additionally, the academy is restricted to students between the ages of 15 and 18 who maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.8. These requirements emphasize the FBI’s focus on academic achievement and civic responsibility as prerequisites for participation in their outreach initiatives.