Every year, FBI branches across the country launch their Citizens Academy program. In Springfield, up to 30 participants can sign up to get a behind the scenes look at the work the FBI does every day. Community leaders in a range of subjects can apply to participate in the eight-week program…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Every year, FBI branches across the country launch their Citizens Academy program. In Springfield, up to 30 participants can sign up to get a behind the scenes look at the work the FBI does every day. Community leaders in a range of subjects can apply to participate in the eight-week program. This includes lessons from instructors in different fields of the FBI. 

"Not only are we sort of in a classroom setting where we're discussing the various threats that we work, but we're taking them out to the firearms range, letting them shoot some of the interesting weapons used by the FBI, including some historic weapons that are paired with a an expert firearms instructor," said David Nanz, Special Agent in Charge at the Springfield FBI. 

These experiences let the FBI improve their transparency and answer questions about their work. This also includes open conversations about how the FBI tackles threats in the community. 

But the academy doesn't just benefit participants. FBI leaders also use it as a way to learn about what issues the community is most concerned about. FBI leaders stay in touch with Academy participants and use them for feedback for any issues that may come up. 

"They learn what the FBI is doing their community, it's not always widely known how the FBI addresses the various threats that the community faces," said Nanz. "By engaging with us, by having productive candid two way conversations, these community leaders learn more about what we're doing to protect them." 

FBI Springfield is also launching their Teen Academy, which allows high school juniors and seniors to learn about different FBI departments and potential job options. 

To apply for Citizens Academy, click here. 

To apply for Teen Academy, click here. 

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