FBI Collegiate Academy Provides Hands-On Experience for UAlbany Students

Student graduates of the FBI's Collegiate Academy at the Albany Field Office.
Student graduates of the FBI's Collegiate Academy. (Photo courtesy of FBI Albany)

ALBANY N.Y. (May 10, 2022) — Most college students have not been walked through a crime scene by FBI agents, but a group of University at Albany students who attended The FBI’s Collegiate Academy can now say otherwise.

The students, enrolled through UAlbany’s Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) and the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, were selected for the FBI Academy this semester to learn about the agency’s missions, methods and protocol.

During four weeks of programming, the students participated in a series of experiential learning programs that touched on areas including human trafficking, gang violence, cybersecurity topics and domestic and international terrorism. 

Students receive a hands-on demonstration of fingerprinting tools used at a crime scene.
Students receive a hands-on demonstration of fingerprinting tools used at a crime scene. (Photo courtesy of FBI Albany)

The experience included a visit to the FBI’s field office in Albany, located just a few miles down the road from the Uptown Campus. During the visit, students were exposed to various agency procedures. They were also offered a hands-on crime scene demonstrations, including an explanation about the different types of investigative tools used such as fingerprinting, how to detect DNA on various surfaces and a tour of an FBI SWAT vehicle. 

Throughout the academy experience, local FBI representatives and special agents met with the students to discuss the full range of law enforcement career paths, including the FBI.

“You and your peers can be the next generation of FBI agents, analysts and professional staff,” said Janeen DiGuiseppi, special agent in charge of the FBI's Albany Division. “We need dedicated individuals committed to carrying out the mission of the FBI, which is to protect the American people and uphold the constitution — a mission that is not to be taken lightly.”

To graduate from the academy, students were required to attend all four sessions and wear professional attire. They received an FBI Collegiate Academy certificate upon competition.

“Being able to learn from our local FBI leaders and see our students graduate from the Academy was a great experience,” said Fred Blanchard, who organized UAlbany’s participation in the Academy and is a senior academic advisor and counselor for the EOP program. “I was very impressed by our students and I’m glad our connection with the FBI provided such an amazing opportunity for them.”