DETROIT, Michigan - February 9, 2010 - It typically takes 22 weeks of training to become an FBI agent. Fourth-graders at Green Elementary will become "junior special agents" in just eight weeks.
Once a week, a representative from the Macomb County FBI will visit with students to talk about various aspects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including evidence collection, gun safety and bombs. Students will also learn about drugs, gangs and computer safety.
Each component incorporates life lessons, said Michelle Bouchard, an investigative operations analyst in the FBI's Clinton Township office. Bouchard has presented the program to schools in Oakland County for the past 11 years.
"It works in citizenship, staying in school and staying drug-free along the way," she said. "Every kid gets something different from it."
This is the first time a group of students in Macomb County have gone through the program. The FBI chose the school in honor of a student who died of cancer this past summer and would have been in fourth grade this school year. Her family wished to remain anonymous.
Michael Sutton, 9, said he's looking forward to the training. At the end of the eight weeks, students will receive badges during a graduation ceremony.
"I'm just happy to be in it," he said.
Principal Eileen Hielscher said the program provides students with a glimpse into a potential career.
The first week's guest was Ronald John Loch, a supervisory senior resident agent in the FBI's Clinton Township office. He gave students a brief overview of the FBI and the qualities of a good agent. Among the requirements are honesty, intelligence and staying in shape.
"I can't live off of potato chips and pop," Loch told the students.
Once a week, a representative from the Macomb County FBI will visit with students to talk about various aspects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including evidence collection, gun safety and bombs. Students will also learn about drugs, gangs and computer safety.
Each component incorporates life lessons, said Michelle Bouchard, an investigative operations analyst in the FBI's Clinton Township office. Bouchard has presented the program to schools in Oakland County for the past 11 years.
"It works in citizenship, staying in school and staying drug-free along the way," she said. "Every kid gets something different from it."
This is the first time a group of students in Macomb County have gone through the program. The FBI chose the school in honor of a student who died of cancer this past summer and would have been in fourth grade this school year. Her family wished to remain anonymous.
Michael Sutton, 9, said he's looking forward to the training. At the end of the eight weeks, students will receive badges during a graduation ceremony.
"I'm just happy to be in it," he said.
Principal Eileen Hielscher said the program provides students with a glimpse into a potential career.
The first week's guest was Ronald John Loch, a supervisory senior resident agent in the FBI's Clinton Township office. He gave students a brief overview of the FBI and the qualities of a good agent. Among the requirements are honesty, intelligence and staying in shape.
"I can't live off of potato chips and pop," Loch told the students.