VSU Partners with FBI Richmond for Collegiate Mentoring Academy

Inagural Class of 14', VSU Students Graduates from First local Career FBI Training Academy

Virginia State University is pleased to announce the inaugural graduating class of the FBI Richmond and VSU Collegiate Academy. Today’s graduation ceremony was the culmination of a partnership between the VSU Sociology and Criminal Justice Department and the FBI Richmond Division. The FBI Richmond and VSU Collegiate Academy offers unique mentoring and outreach opportunities that benefit students by introducing them to FBI work, experiences, and career opportunities. 
 
VSU students participated in the 3-week collegiate academy by engaging in weekly discussions with FBI Richmond representatives. Through presentations, open dialogue and demonstrations, the graduate and undergraduate, sociology and criminal justice students learned about the FBI’s responsibility as it relates to forensic evidence collection, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber, and crimes against children investigations.  
 
“I especially loved the Forensics and Evidence session. It was exhilarating to get experience in what I would like to pursue as a career,” said VSU student, Maame Akosua Osei-Bonsu. “I participated in this Academy because I wanted to meet Special Agents and learn about the discrepancies between real-life work and what is displayed in the media. The academy is a step towards mending the relationship between civilians and law enforcement. The Collegiate Academy exceeded my expectations.” 
 
“FBI Richmond is thankful for the partnership of Virginia State University (VSU), and the dedication of their students in this inaugural Collegiate Academy,” said Stanley M. Meador, FBI Special Agent in Charge. “We look forward to collaborating with VSU on future outreach and recruitment opportunities through continued dialogue.” 
 
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice has many career oriented and professional development programs strengthened by the FBI Collegiate Academy. The department has mandatory pre-internship and internship courses that highlight some of the information the students received in the program. The department also currently has a concentration in forensic investigation and is working to develop a minor in digital forensics. In addition, VSU is working with the Crater Police Academy to develop a law enforcement and criminal justice leadership certificate program.  
 
“This Academy with the FBI will be held every semester as we continue to maintain a strong relationship with the FBI Richmond Division. We believe our students can benefit from this partnership,” said Dr. C. Nana Derby, Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. “We are grateful to the agents who participated to share their knowledge and experiences with our students.”