For 30 Wisconsin high school students interested in law enforcement the Milwaukee division of the FBI partnered with Marquette University to host the First Future Law Enforcement Youth Academy.
They started on Monday and finish the program with graduation on Friday.
Each day 15 men and 15 women work together with federal, state, and local law enforcement. Students get to tour the FBI's offices, work on mock abduction case, even participate in shooting simulations.
For New Lisbon High School Junior Sofie Hendrickson, the difficult application process back in February was worth it.
"I want to be in the FBI. So, this is like a dream come true," Hendrickson said.
St. Francis High School Senior Alec Stys also dreams of working for the FBI. But that's after he enlists in the military. He wants to serve and protect his country. Stys says anyone looking to participate in this program next year should definitely follow through.
"At least 50 percent, there were probably much more people that were interested in this academy. But didn't finish the process because they thought they might not get selected," said Stys.
Students work in groups to investigate and solve the mock abduction case, which they have to solve by graduation day. Agents and officers help them search for evidence, take pictures, DNA samples and log their work.
When they're not working, the students bunk at Marquette University. While living on campus they get to let their hair down by attending athletic events, going out to eat, and just hanging around the city.
The FBI's Special Agent in Charge Justin Tolomeo brought the idea for this camp from another FBI division. Since this is their first academy class, Tolomeo couldn't be more proud of picking the best of the best.
"This is just more than a job. It's really a calling and they clearly showed us that they have interest in being part of that calling in law enforcement," said Tolomeo.
The FBI plans to host another camp next summer with Marquette University, making this an annual event.
