FBI Columbia Accepting Teen Academy Applications

Lexington, SC - 03/24/2026 - The FBI Columbia Field Office is accepting applications for the upcoming annual Teen Academy this summer.

This year’s academy will be held June 23-24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the FBI Columbia headquarters, located at 222 Caughman Farm Ln., Lexington, SC, 29072.

The Teen Academy program allows rising junior and senior high school students to experience a comprehensive look into today’s FBI. Students will receive presentations on topics including terrorism, cyber crime, public corruption, violent crime, evidence response, SWAT, and other day-to-day FBI field office operations.

Those interested in participating in the FBI Columbia Teen Academy must have parental approval before applying and must meet the eligibility requirements as follows:

• Must be a United States citizen

• Must reside in South Carolina

• Must be a rising high school sophomore, junior or senior, ages 15-18

• Must be enrolled in an accredited high school or home school environment recognized by your school district

• Must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher

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Students who meet the eligibility requirements must complete an application, which can be found by visiting: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/2026-fbi-columbia-teen-academy.pdf/view. Prospective students must provide a formal essay articulating their interest in the program. The narrative should highlight how the FBI Teen Academy experience will impact their personal development and their long-term contributions to the community. Applications and essays are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Applications submitted after that date will not be accepted.

Completed applications may be emailed to Columbia_Outreach@FBI.gov. They may also be mailed to:

FBI Columbia

C/O Community Outreach

222 Caughman Farm Ln.

Lexington, SC. 29072

Questions about the Teen Academy should be directed to FBI Community Outreach at Columbia_Outreach@fbi.gov. Selected applicants will be notified by email on April 3.