Colorado State Patrol Youth Academy

The Colorado State Patrol Youth Academy is a free leadership program run by the Colorado State Patrol for Colorado teens ages 16 to 18. The academy centers on building leadership skills through team exercises and individual challenges, and the state patrol describes it as mentally and physically demanding. Participants spend three nights at the CSP Academy in Golden, Colorado, with staff and chaperones on site the whole time, including overnight. Meals are included, and there is no cost to attend. Training covers team building, leadership, military bearing, defensive driving, crime scene investigation, self-defense, physical training, and firearm safety. Students also learn about the history of the Colorado State Patrol and its career opportunities. Spots are limited to a select number of students from across the state.

Open to teens ages 16 to 18 who are Colorado residents. Applicants must hold a valid driver's license or permit, show proof of current medical insurance, provide a doctor's certification that they can participate, agree to a criminal and driver history check, and submit at least one letter of recommendation. The process includes an application and an interview.