Academies Are On Hold – Not Taking Applications
Due to various events (inflation, hotel price spikes, families with limited extra funding) we are suspending our academies for a while. We run our academies at a very slight margin to make them as inexpensive as possible. Currently we are not able to guarantee a quality academy at a reasonable price.
PLEASE – join the newsletter. We hope to be able to offer them again in 2023 and we will release an announcement.
“The academy was honestly a very eye opening experience on my future in the criminal justice field and I am very thankful I decided to participate. I learned a lot and it was an amazing experience.” D.H.
Next Academy Dates: TBA
The National Law and Justice Academy is an outstanding program designed to immerse students from Law and Public Safety programs into law enforcement and legal studies at the national level. Selected student participants will spend a week in our nation’s capital learning more about all branches of the criminal justice system.
During the week, the participants will have the opportunity to tour some of Washington D.C.’s museums, sights, and agencies. They will also engage in daily briefings discussing topics such as target hardening, case law, and current issues facing federal law enforcement. Participants will meet agents and other industry leaders. We will tour the halls of the Supreme Court of the United States. Additionally, the student participants will participate in workshops in forensics as well as tour museums such as the National Law Enforcement Museum, National Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and many more. A proposed itinerary is listed below.
This is the only academy held during the school year. The reason for this is because the US Supreme Court is only in session from October through March.
Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to be aware of deadlines and announcements.
“An amazing program that I’ll never forget!” J.M.
Selection of Participants
We want to ensure the best students are chosen to join our participant team for the National Academy of Law and Justice. We are looking for those who will become industry leaders and do great things in law, law enforcement, public safety, security or corrections. Tomorrow’s heroes – is that you? If so, then you are exactly the kind of student we are looking for!
We look at the whole applicant. Grades matter, but so do many other things. In the application process the selection committee will review matters such as personal growth, leadership, unique experiences and accomplishments. We also value diversity – in thought, ancestry, experience and backgrounds.
We want to make sure the best students make our team for the National Academy. To learn more about how to apply click on the “Students” tab in the menu or Click Here.
Multiple students from the same school may apply.
“I’m already making plans to meet up with the friends I made at the academy. It was like being with my own people. We all loved the same things like forensic shows. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend to anyone interested in criminal justice.” L.M.
Hotel Accommodations
We will be staying at the Westin Crystal City. This gets us close to the city with great amenities nearby. Students’ rooms include two double queen beds. Students will stay four to a room. Students may choose to room with less in their room, but there would be an additional cost. The hotel will have high speed Wi-Fi available to the participants so they can stay connected with teachers to stay current in their courses.
We will use the hotel for our check in, orientation, daily seminars and debriefs as well as our graduation on Friday. It will be our base of operations.
Students will check in on the Sunday of the Academy week and check out on Friday.
Museums
This list is does not list all the museums. Additionally, our itinerary can change at any point due to unforeseen circumstances.
Agency Visits & Seminars
This list is does not list all the agencies. Additionally, our itinerary can change at any point due to unforeseen circumstances.
Sights
This list is does not list all the sites. Additionally, our itinerary can change at any point due to unforeseen circumstances.
Food
Working Itinerary
This is our working itinerary. It is subject to change.
Sunday
Registration
Orientation
Icebreaker
Seminar – Site Assessments and Homeland Security in the Nation’s Capital
Monday
Meals begin at breakfast
US Capitol Police Department
Union Station Food Court
Capital Tour
National Archives
Smithsonian National Museum of U.S. History
Buca de Beppo – Italian Dining
Seminar – Federal Law Enforcement
Tuesday
FBI Academy at Quantico
DEA Museum
US Secret Service
Ford’s Theater
Hard Rock Café Dinner
International Spy Museum
Seminar – SCOTUS in the Modern Era
Wednesday
Supreme Court
Library of Congress
We, The Pizza
Forensics Seminar NLEOM
Tour National Law Enforcement Officer Museum (NLEOM)
Forensics Seminar NLEOM
Wreath Laying at NLEOM Memorial
Pinstripes – Dinner and Bocce Ball
Seminar – Forensics
Thursday
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children seminars
Lunch
Holocaust Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History
Smithsonian Museum Choice
Dinner
Night Tour of Memorials
Seminar Policing in the Modern Era
Friday
Closing Session
Graduation
Bag lunch pick up – airport departures start
Transportation
During the week we will use Washington DC’s Metro system. It is one of the best in the world. We can actually get closer to most of our destinations using Metro than a charter bus as buses are very restricted in the Capital. It is also a fun way to get around.
If we are able to secure a tour at the FBI Academy we will take a charter bus as it is outside of metro DC. We will also have a charter for the night tour of memorials.
As far as getting to and from DC from your home, we are leaving that up to you and your family. Southern Educational Resources can assist making reservations for air or train travel. We will also have representatives at Reagan Airport to help you get from your flights to the hotel.
Note: We will be walking several miles a day. DC is not vehicle friendly, so we will use Metro and walk. One day in our most recent Academy we walked over nine miles in one day. Applicants need to be capable of these physical demands.
Dress Code & Gear
Attending the National Academy for Law and Justice will require some dress standards. We will be visiting places that require more formal attire. There will also be times we will need to look similar – wearing khakis and Academy polos. Very specific guidelines will be sent out a few weeks before the academy.
On several days participants will dress “business professional” – Click Here to learn more. At a minimum, participants will dress “business casual” for touring and visits – Click Here to learn more.
Participants will be provided a polo, T-shirt, and other academy gear. There will be specific days participants will dress the same – such as a potential visit to the FBI Academy. participants will keep their gear at the end of the week.
Note – We will be in DC in February. DC weather can get VERY cold. Be prepared to dress warm.
$1,950
Tuition
Included in the tuition:
Hotel – check in Sunday and check out Friday
Transportation during the Academy – all Metro fares and Charters
Meals – All from Monday breakfast through Friday lunch
Tickets – all tours, museums and activities
Gear – participants get a gear bag with a polo, T-Shirt and other gear.
Seminars – all expenses related to the seminar
Speakers – all honorariums included
Costs
NOT included in the tuition:
Travel – from home to Academy
Meals – Sunday meals and anything after lunch on Friday
Spending money– drinks, coffees and such
Souvenirs
Travel insurance – in case trip gets cancelled
Medical insurance – students must have their own insurance
Scholarships
Several $500 scholarships are available. Students must be accepted to an Academy and have paid the downpayment before applying. Click Here to learn more.
FAQ
Will someone meet my student at the airport?
Yes – but only if they fly into Reagan International. Be aware if you book Dulles airport you will need to arrange an Uber or cab to the hotel.
Can I make payments?
Yes – once a class is announced they can choose how to pay the tuition.
Can I add airfare to the tuition?
Yes – Southern Educational Resources can book participant flights and include them in the payment schedule.
Can parents chaperone/join/volunteer?
No – due to safety standards, only approved adults who have completed a background investigation can participate in the Academy.
What if my participant doesn’t want to share a bed?
For an additional charge students can limit their room to 3 participants or have a room to themselves. This will be arranged once participant selections are announced.
What if my participant needs to arrive early or depart late?
We can make arrangements if flights arrive or depart a day late. Academy staff can supervise participants arriving on Saturday or leaving on Saturday. You will need to arrange for the cost of hotels, meals, and such. Southern Educational Resources can help you with all arrangements.
Can parents attend graduation?
Absolutely – the 10am Friday graduation is open to parents. We will send out a request for information on how many will be in attendance to ensure there is enough seating.
Can multiple students from the same school apply?
Yes.
NOTE: all pictures on this page are from past student experiences. Each academy is unique. These pictures in no way guarantee what opportunities will be offered.