Youth Leadership Program

The Youth Leadership Program (YLP), hosted by the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), provides high school students with an immersive 8-day advanced leadership training experience. This program is designed to build skills, resilience, and a commitment to service and social responsibility among young leaders. The program includes academic, fitness, and hands-on experiences.

Click here to download a YLP flyer.

The FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., is a private 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is not a part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or acting on behalf of the FBI.

Program Overview

The YLP is a competitive, no-cost program for high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors (ages 14-16 by program start date) who demonstrate strong academic performance, high level of fitness, and dedication to their community. Sixty-two students are selected annually from the U.S. and around the world to participate. Under the guidance of experienced law enforcement professionals, participants engage in intensive coursework and real-world exercises to develop their leadership capabilities.

Application Information

2026 YLP APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS ENDED. We encourage qualified students to please apply again next year during the application period. At that time, individuals interested in attending the FBINAA Youth Leadership Program must apply through one of the FBINAA’s U.S. or International Chapters. Applicants should contact their local FBINAA Chapter and coordinate with the Chapter YLP Coordinator for specific information on that Chapter’s application process. The YLP Coordinators are your resource for applying to the program, providing applications, and answering any questions regarding the process. Students must write their application essays independently; the use of AI tools is not permitted, and submissions will be reviewed with AI-detection measures to ensure authenticity.

Core Courses & Presentations

YLP’s curriculum emphasizes practical leadership skills and personal growth through hands-on experiences. Courses include:

• Fundamentals of Leadership: Learn the principles of effective leadership and how to inspire others.
• Ethical Leadership: Explore ethical decision-making and the importance of integrity in leadership.
• Business Leadership: Understand the essentials of organizational leadership and teamwork in a business context.
• Bad Leadership: Analyze traits of poor leadership to recognize and avoid common pitfalls.
• Values and Choices: Reflect on personal values and decision-making frameworks to make responsible choices.
• Situational Leadership: Adapt leadership styles to various scenarios and learn how to handle diverse challenges.
• Truth and Honesty, Error Management, and Calm in Chaos: Gain tools to manage errors, stay calm in crises, and maintain honesty under pressure.

Personal Development Courses

• Fitness, Nutrition, and Resiliency: Build physical and mental resilience through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management techniques.
• Time Management: Develop strategies for efficient time use to balance priorities and responsibilities.

Modern Challenges & Safety

• Social Media and Internet Survival: Learn to navigate social media responsibly and ensure online safety.
• Managing Change: Gain skills for adapting to personal, academic, and social changes.

Real-World Experiences

• Engage with Law Enforcement Personnel: Learn from law enforcement professionals by engaging in discussions about their firsthand experiences in the field.
• Safety Demonstrations: Participate in supervised demonstrations emphasizing safety techniques and applications used by today’s modern public safety agencies.
• Field Excursions and Hands-On Experiences: Explore local battlefields, monuments, and civic landmarks. Students will visit significant sites such as Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol, and other historic and civic locations, providing a deeper understanding of American & World history and leadership in action.