Hosted by the FBI’s Las Cruces Resident Agency, the academy introduced participants to the work of the modern FBI through hands-on activities, discussions and a mock investigation designed to give students a firsthand look at how cases are built and solved.
Source: FBI – Albuquerque (via Facebook)
Photos: Courtesy
High school students from across New Mexico recently spent three days learning about federal law enforcement, forensic science and leadership during the FBI Albuquerque Division’s 2026 Teen Academy in Las Cruces.
Hosted by the FBI’s Las Cruces Resident Agency, the academy introduced participants to the work of the modern FBI through hands-on activities, discussions and a mock investigation designed to give students a firsthand look at how cases are built and solved.
“We appreciated welcoming bright minds to FBI Albuquerque’s 2026 Teen Academy at the Las Cruces Resident Agency,” the FBI Albuquerque Division said in a social media post following the event. “Over three exciting days, participants dove into what today’s FBI does and even teamed up to solve a thrilling mock case together.”
The Teen Academy is a free educational program open to New Mexico students entering high school during the upcoming school year. According to the FBI, the program is designed to help students develop leadership skills while exploring careers in public service, law enforcement and criminal justice.
Participants learn about topics including forensic science, evidence collection, fitness, violence prevention, sextortion awareness and hoax threats. Sessions are led by FBI special agents, intelligence analysts and professional staff, who explain not only how investigations are conducted, but also the role the bureau plays in serving communities across the country.
The FBI notes that students do not need to be interested in law enforcement careers to participate. Instead, the academy is intended for any student interested in leadership, service and learning more about the challenges facing modern communities.
The Las Cruces academy is one of two annual Teen Academy programs offered by the FBI Albuquerque Division, with a second session scheduled this summer in Albuquerque.
The program concluded with students applying what they learned by working together to solve a mock case, giving participants an opportunity to practice teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while experiencing a small part of the investigative process.
As summer programs across New Mexico look to prepare the next generation of leaders, the FBI Teen Academy offers students a unique opportunity to step inside a federal law enforcement office and see firsthand how investigations, public service and community safety intersect.
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