Youth Academy

Applications have closed and are not being accepted at this time.
Thank you for your interest in the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Youth Academy! This exciting and interactive week-long Academy is designed to educate youth in our community about current safety challenges, and provide them with an inside look at the programs, training, and technology used by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. There are no physical requirements and it’s a free course taught by members of the Sheriff’s Office leadership team, deputy sheriffs, investigators, and other agency staff.

The Youth Academy is offered for educational purposes only and does not provide any certification.

2019 Academy dates
Applications have closed and are not being accepted at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office is hosting two identical deliveries of the Youth Academy this summer for youth who will be entering the 8th grade in Fall 2019. We are unable to accept applications for both sessions.

Monday June 24, 2019 - Friday June 28, 2019 - Class #12- only incoming 8th graders can apply for this week

Monday July 22, 2018 - Friday July 26, 2019 - Class #13- only incoming 8th graders can apply for this week

Due to the overwhelming response for this program, if your child has participated in previous years they will not be able to participate again.

The Academy is scheduled from 8:30a.m.- 4:30p.m. each day. Youth participants will meet at the Sheriff’s Office Professional Development Center located at 2772 Depot Avenue, in Sanford.

Please note: Applications have closed and are not being accepted at this time. The 2019 Youth Academy Applications will close when then Sheriff's Office has filled the class, so apply as soon as the application opens! Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis as seats are limited.

Academy Summary
The course begins with an introduction by Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma. The sessions include presentations on topics such as: neighborhood policing, investigations, training, traffic safety and forensics. Class members will also learn about internet safety, bullying, decision-making, substance abuse, and character development.

Class participants will tour the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, the 911 Communications Center, and the Criminal Justice Center. Participants will also see demonstrations from the Special Operations Unit (SWAT, Aviation, Range and Water, K9 and EOD), participate in an exercise in the Emergency Operations Center, perform basic Honor Guard techniques, and serve as jurors in a mock trial hosted by the State Attorney’s Office.

All transportation and supervision throughout the Academy will be provided by Sheriff’s Office personnel. Academy participants will bring their own lunch Monday through Thursday. Lunch will be provided on Friday. There is no cost for the Academy.

Application Process and Criteria
The Youth Academy is open to youth who will be entering the 8th grade in Fall 2019. Applicants must also reside in Seminole County or attend school (or be home schooled) in Seminole County. In order to be accepted, youth may not have a criminal record. A background check will be conducted on the applicant and his/her parents/guardians. All applicants will be notified via email by Friday May 10, 2019.

Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Sergeant Adam Brewster via email at abrewster@seminolesheriff.org.