NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
ABOUT THE 2026 CITIZENS ACADEMY
The FBI Citizens Academy is a stimulating 8-session program that gives business, religious, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. This unique opportunity allows participants to gain firsthand knowledge of the FBI's mission, priorities, and operations through interactive presentations, demonstrations, and discussions with special agents and professional staff.
If you know of a community leader interested in the Citizens Academy, please fill out the nomination form and return it to brudd@fbi.gov by November 21, 2025.
2026 CLASS INFORMATION
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
INCREASE AWARENESS
Increase public awareness about the FBI, its mission, its activities, and its people through direct engagement with community leaders.
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
Provide an avenue for the FBI to hear and respond to community issues and concerns through open and frank discussions.
STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS
Build lasting partnerships and improve understanding between the FBI and the communities it serves.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Empower community leaders to become informed ambassadors who can educate others about the FBI's role in protecting our nation.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have no prior felony convictions or be under investigation as a subject in any criminal case
- Must live or work within the jurisdiction of the Las Vegas FBI field office
- Must pass limited background assessment and fingerprints
- US Citizenship is preferred. Non-US Citizens may participate in the Field Office's Citizens Academy pending approval by the SAC
APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE
PHASE 1: NOMINATION
Nominations from FBI Employees, Citizens Academy Alumni, and self-nominees are gathered. Due to positive exposure and Alumni networks, the Citizens Academy Program is in high demand. As a result, the selection process will be very competitive, so your personal insight on the narrative statement is immeasurable.
PHASE 2: APPLICATION
Applications will be sent out to pre-screened nominees. This is a multi-page packet that will include permission to run a Standardized Records Check (criminal history, DMV Check, etc.)
PHASE 3: SELECTION
Executive Management along with other appointed FBI personnel will review applications. Special Agent in Charge, Chris Delzotto, makes the final decision.
PHASE 4: NOTIFICATION
Letters are sent out to ALL nominees who were selected for the upcoming class, alternates for upcoming class, and those not selected.
READY TO NOMINATE A COMMUNITY LEADER?
Download the official nomination form and submit your nomination for an outstanding community leader to participate in the 2026 FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy.
DOWNLOAD NOMINATION FORMSubmit completed forms to:
brudd@fbi.govFor questions about the program, please contact Bailie Schauer at brudd@fbi.gov
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Citizens Academy is an engaging eight-week program that gives business, religious, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. Classes meet in the evening at the FBI field office. The mission of the FBI Citizens Academy is to foster a greater understanding of the role of federal law enforcement in the community through frank discussion and education.
Candidates are nominated by FBI employees, former Citizens Academy graduates, and community leaders. Participants are selected by the special agent in charge of the local FBI field office.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
INSIDE LOOK AT THE FBI
The Citizens Academy provides participants with unprecedented access to FBI operations and expertise. Through classroom sessions, demonstrations, and interactive exercises, participants gain firsthand knowledge of how the FBI investigates crimes, gathers intelligence, and protects communities.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
The program builds lasting partnerships between the FBI and community leaders. Graduates become ambassadors who can educate others about the FBI's role, dispel myths, and strengthen the vital connection between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The FBI Citizens Academy offers a unique opportunity for community leaders to gain an in-depth understanding of FBI operations through presentations, discussions, and hands-on activities. Participants learn about the Bureau's investigative priorities, intelligence capabilities, tactical operations, and community engagement initiatives.
Topics covered typically include terrorism, counterintelligence, cyber crime, public corruption, civil rights violations, and organized crime. The program also includes demonstrations of specialized FBI equipment, firearms training simulations, and discussions with special agents and professional staff about their work.
Upon graduation, participants are invited to join the FBI Las Vegas Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBILVCAAA), where they can continue to support the FBI's mission through community outreach and education initiatives.
HOW TO APPLY
The FBI Citizens Academy is open to business, religious, civic, and community leaders who are nominated by FBI employees, former Citizens Academy graduates, or other community leaders. Final selection is made by the special agent in charge of the Las Vegas Field Office.
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