The Las Vegas Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigationand the FBI Las Vegas Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association (FBILVCAAA) has partnered with Preparatory Institute, School for Academic Excellence at Charles I. West Hall (West Prep) for this school year’s FBI’s Adopt-A-School Program. West Prep is in the Clark County School District and is located next to the FBI Las Vegas Field Officein a socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhood. The school has approximately 1800 students in grades K-12.
The FBI Junior Special Agents Academy was offered to25 fifth graders who wrote the best essays telling why they wanted to be a Junior Special Agent and learn about the FBI. Many of the classes, guest speakers, and field trips are being offered to all 63 students in the fifth grade class. Classes are held weekly and have included subjects such as: “What is the FBI?”; “Civil Rights”; “Gangs and Drugs”; “Victims’ Rights”; “Internet Safety and Cyber Crimes”; “Careers in the FBI”; “Evidence Gathering”; “Photography”; and a physical fitness program. For homework, students are required to write thank you notes listing two things they learned from each of the guest speakers.
During October’s National Crime Prevention Month the fifth graders participated in a crime prevention poster contest. All the posters were displayed in the FBI field office so that agents and support staff had the opportunity to vote for their favorites. First, second, and third place ribbons and prizes were awarded. Also, as part of Crime Prevention Month, the Anti-Defamation League’s Director Phyllis Friedman (a 2011 Citizens’ Academy graduate) and Georgia Neu treated the fifth grade to exercises and activities from their school program entitled “No Place For Hate” which included ‘bullying’.
During National School Lunch Week the FBI participated in the ‘Lunch Buddies’ Program. Many special agents and support staff visited the students during their lunch period and either ate with or just talked the students answering questions about their careers in the FBI.
FBI LV CAAA President Tim Wong has dedicated his time, talents, and funding to make this year’s adoption very special. President Wong presented playground equipment to the classes and provided gift bags of school supplies to a number of students who needed supplies at home. The CAAA members have supported the program with monetary donations and volunteers willing to speak at a very special Career Day. The CAAA also funded transportation for the students to take field trips to Hoover Dam and the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Graduation is scheduled for January 2012. Each student who completes all the assignments will receive their FBI badge and credentials and a tour of the FBI building. The CAAA will also be sponsoring the Junior Special Agent graduation with a special luncheon for the graduates and their parents.
As part of the Adopt-A-School program, a Teen Academy is being planned for the high school students during the second semester.