Law Enforcement Career Academy

In a jointly sponsored program run by the Michigan State Police, the Law Enforcement Career Academy has been held annually since 1975. Local Kiwanis Clubs sponsor high school students who express a sincere desire or interest in some form of a law enforcement career. Students are housed at the Michigan State State Police Training Academy in Lansing with staff instructors from state, county and local police departments.

This year’s Academy will be held June 7-12, 2026. The program begins on Sunday afternoon and ends with a closing graduation ceremony on Friday morning. The enrollment fee is $595 per student which includes a $100 non refundable application fee paid by the student or the sponsoring Kiwanis club; space is limited to 40 students. See below for eligibility requirements and selection criteria.

During the six days of the Academy, activities and classes may include:

• Introduction to law enforcement
• Traffic Law
• Crime lab and forensic science
• Water safety
• Military drill
• Criminal tracking demonstrations
• Patrolling, police equipment, firearms training
• Defensive tactics
• First Aid, C.P.R. demonstration and exercises
• Discussions with Emergency Support Team (SWAT)
• Look At Department of Natural Resources careers
• Alcohol Abuse
• Underwater recovery
• Narcotics and dangerous drugs
• Leadership skills
• Specialty Units: K-9, Emergency Support

“The Kiwanis Law Enforcement Academy was a tremendous experience which provided an in depth view of the challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement. The Instructors became role models for me and encouraged me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice prior to beginning my service as a Deputy. Now in my 31st year of Sheriff’s Office service, I remain grateful to Kiwanis for sponsoring this great program.”

Jeffery G. Cook, Undersheriff, Eaton County Sheriff’s Department

“My experience at the academy was truly life changing. I had no idea what I was getting myself into though. It was an actual boot camp. But it was an Incredible time. They show you that the limits you thought existed can be pushed way beyond what you could imagine. They make a reality out of the statement “If you think you can you will, if you think you can’t you’re right”. And being able to talk to all different departments of the MSP was so interesting. By far though the coolest thing was all the hands on learning you get while there, from driving, shooting, etc. It was such an honor to have been able to go and experience that. Thank you.“

Cassie, Recent Kiwanis Law Enforcement Academy Graduate

Kiwanis Clubs:

• Determine the number of students you can sponsor and establish a budget ($595 per student.) $100 non-refundable deposit by student or Kiwanis Club should be collected to cover the cost of camp shirts and registration. If a student is not selected to the program by the Law Academy committee, $50 will be returned to students or Kiwanis Club.
• If your club wishes to sponsor a student financially, fill out the attached form for Club Sponsorship and/or contact Marian O’Higgins, Law Academy Chair at [email protected]. The District Office will assign a student needing sponsorship to your club.
• Download the Application and Brochure — remember to insert your Club name and Club member contact on both files prior to printing or sending via email. Use your preferred PDF software to type into those fields.
• Contact local High Schools (Principal or Counselor) to explain the program and share the brochure and application. Download and send the District Letter to School Officials or create your own.
• Contact local Police Departments to explain the program and share the brochure and application. Download and send the District Letter to Post Commanders or create your own.
• Determine a method of screening multiple applications.
• Return completed applications with a check to the District Office no later than March 31st. An incomplete application will not be accepted so please check it over carefully before submission.
• DO NOT inform your students they have been accepted because application submission does not guarantee acceptance.
• The Michigan District of Kiwanis participates in the review of all applicants with representatives of the Michigan State Police. The District will notify all applicants of their status by April 15. Sponsoring clubs will be notified if their student(s) was selected.
• You can submit additional applicants designated as Alternates. Should your Delegate not be able to attend we will contact your Alternate.
• We suggest you ask for a modest deposit to be refunded upon the student’s completion of the program.

Some Kiwanis clubs rely on school personnel for final recommendations; others have used essays or personal interviews by club members to select the best applicant. Whatever selection progress is used, consider that the delegate should be a credit to your community. We do not use this program to correct youth who may have social problems.

Instructions for Student Applicants:

Submit the application & $100 deposit paid by student or sponsoring Kiwanis club (payable to Michigan District of Kiwanis and Student’s name in Memo Line) to the local Club, NOT the District Office in Mason. The sponsoring club will submit the final application to the district office.

Families or friends may sponsor students, and these applications will be reviewed after all Kiwanis Club candidates are selected. You may submit directly to the Michigan District of Kiwanis Office under these conditions.

Complete the information for all items (incomplete applications will not be accepted).

Secure all appropriate signatures. Be prepared to arrange for Medical Examination only after you are accepted into the program, not before.

• Notify your sponsoring club if plans change after submitting your application.
• Transportation to the Academy is the responsibility of the student and family. **Late arrivals WILL NOT be admitted to the program even if accepted and the student or Kiwanis Club sponsor WILL FORFEIT their deposit.
• Upon completion of the Academy, arrange a visit to your sponsor club to share your experiences.
• The Michigan District of Kiwanis participates in the review of all applicants with representatives of the Michigan State Police. The District will notify sponsoring clubs and applicants of their status by April 15.

Criteria for Student Selection

• Shows an expressed interest in a possible law related career.
• Has not attended a previous Michigan State Police sponsored program.
• Is of good moral character.
• Has a good academic standing (Minimum accumulative grade point 2.0 = C or better)
• Is currently enrolled in grades 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
• Has good health – must be able to handle vigorous but reasonable exercise programs.
• Has no juvenile offense record or criminal record.
• Paid $100 Application fee to Michigan District of Kiwanis

Some Kiwanis clubs rely on school personnel for final recommendations; others have used essays or personal interviews by club members to select the best appearing applicant. Whatever selection progress is used, consider that the delegate should be a credit to your community. (WE DO NO USE THIS PROGRAM TO CORRECT YOUTH WHO MAY HAVE SOCIAL PROBLEMS.)

Refunds will not be made for students that cancel or do not show up once the MSP have confirmed meals and housing.  Space is limited and generally the Academy accepts up to 40 students. $50.00 of the application deposit will be returned to the student or sponsoring Kiwanis Club, if the student is NOT SELECTED for the program. If a student arrives late, student will not be admitted in per MSP rules and will forfeit their deposit.

Placements are made on a variety of criteria; and, therefore, it is more important that you begin this process without any delays.  Timeliness and completeness are a must.

Timeliness and completeness are a must. Refunds will not be made for students that cancel or do not show up once the MSP have confirmed meals and housing. Space is limited and generally the Academy accepts up to 40 students.