Purpose Every year, high school juniors from each of The American Legion's 14 Districts in Nebraska are chosen to participate in the Junior Law Cadet Program. The purpose of the program is to allow male and female students the opportunity to explore and experience the various aspects of law enforcement training. Students participate in daily calisthenics and receive training in firearms, self-defense, fingerprinting, K-9 handling, accident and criminal investigation, lie detector testing, and state patrol car driving. Students stay at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island. 2024 Results: Boys
Girls
For Students: The American Legion Department of Nebraska Junior Law Cadet Program is held annually during the summer before the senior year of high school, typically during the middle of June, at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island. Completed applications and an endorsement from your school principal or superintendent must be submitted to your local American Legion Post Commander before March 1st. If you are interested in attending, the best local points-of-contact are your local Legion Post; and your high school principal or guidance counselor. The 2025 Boys Session will be held June 23-24, 2025 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island. The 2025 Girls Session will be held June 25-26, 2025 at the Nebraska State Patrol Facility in Grand Island. - Download the 2025 Junior Law Cadet Program application - Download the 2025 Junior Law Cadet Program brochure For Legion Posts: It is the responsibility of the Legion Post to provide the cost of training for the student (or students) being sponsored by that post. The cost of training includes food, t-shirts, caps, classroom materials, and administrative expenses. The Nebraska State Patrol provides training, counselors, facilities, and equipment as a public service. Any boy or girl meeting the following standards who is a member of the junior class in an accredited high school during the respective academic year, and who is a Nebraska resident, is eligible to be considered for selection to the Junior Law Cadet Program: (a) in good health and able to participate in physical activities; (b) possess a positive attitude and display respect for law enforcement; (c) average or above average scholastic record; and (d) possess a valid Nebraska driver's license or learner's permit. - Contact American Legion Department of Nebraska Programs Director Eric Martin at 402-464-6338. - "58 High School Cadets Train Like Troopers at Junior Law Academy" (NSP, June 25, 2024) American Legion Youth Programs Video Available The American Legion has created a video about its youth programs and the one common denominator they all have – responsible citizenship. The video also highlights why those who served in the U.S. military and continue their service through membership in The American Legion have a stake in the youth programs that develop future leaders. Click here to watch the video. |
