Location
WVU Parkersburg Main Campus
300 Campus Drive
Main Building
Parkersburg, WV 26104
: Multi-Purpose Room
Contact Information
Teen Criminal Justice Academy
Description
WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice instructors will guide you in investigating crime scenes, analyzing evidence, debating cases and presenting arguments. Teen will also get to experience hands-on criminal justice simulations.
Teen Criminal Justice Academy is all about learning what criminal justice personnel do in their jobs. Teens will explore different career options in the criminal justice field.
Program activities will include:
- Investigate crime scenes and analyze evidence
- Explore policing, courts, and corrections
- Practice investigative and problem-solving skills
- Experience hands-on criminal justice simulations
- Debate cases and present arguments in mock court
- Discover careers across the justice system
Program Details:
- This program will take place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- We welcome participants who are around 13-18 years of age. More specifically,
- May turn 13 anytime in 2026
- 18-year-olds accepted if they are in school or graduating HS in Spring 2026
- The cost for this program is $150 per student and is due at the time of program registration.
- After completing the registration form, please use the secure online payment link provided within 1 day of submission.
Lunch will be is included in the program and will be offered to all participants. A menu will be shared with registered participants a few days before the event starts so a participant may choose to bring a bagged lunch.
This academy is limited to the first 20 registered and paid participants.
Upcoming Dates And Times
- Jun 15, 2026Jun 15, 9:00 AM - Jun 18, 3:00 PM (Jun 15, 1:00 PM - Jun 18, 7:00 PM UTC)Available spots: 14
Questions & Answers
- What is Teen Criminal Justice Academy?
Teen Criminal Justice Academy is a four‑day, non‑credit youth academy offered as part of WVU Parkersburg’s Teen Academy series. The program introduces students to the criminal justice fields through hands‑on activities, simulations, and career exploration experiences led by WVU Parkersburg faculty and criminal justice professionals.
- Who should attend?
This academy is for teens 13-18 who are interested in criminal justice fields. No prior experience is required.
- What will students learn or do?
Participants will engage in interactive, hands‑on learning experiences that may include:
- Investigate crime scenes and analyze evidence
- Explore policing, courts, and corrections
- Practice investigative and problem-solving skills
- Experience hands-on criminal justice simulations
- Debate cases and present arguments in mock court
- Discover careers across the justice system
- Does my student need any prior criminal justice experience?
No prior experience is needed. The academy is designed for beginners who are curious about the criminal justice field
- Are parents allowed to attend with students?
Parents are welcome to check students in each day, but the academy itself is designed exclusively for youth participants.
- Does this course count for college credit?
No. This is a 4-day, non-credit youth academy. While it does not offer college credit, the program is designed to give students meaningful exposure to criminal justice fields, helping them explore future educational and career pathways in the criminal justice field.
- Will there be future academies?
Yes! This Academy is one of WVU Parkersburg's growing teen opportunities. Additional academies and camps will be announced as new experiences are developed.
- Is lunch included?
Yes! The menu will be sent out in an email with schedules and full details about the academy closer to the start of the academy.
- How much is it? How do I pay?
The cost of this program is $150 per participant and may be paid online. Once the student submits the registration form, a payment box will popup with the option to 'Pay Now' or 'Pay Later'.
If you choose to pay later, you will have 1 day to complete the payment via a link sent to the participant email address. If the payment is not completed within the specified timeframe, the registration will be automatically canceled.- What is your Refund & Cancellation Policy?
We understand that family schedules can be unpredictable. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, please keep the following guidelines in mind regarding your registration:
Cancellations & Refunds
7+ Days Notice: If you cancel your registration at least seven days before the academy begins, you are eligible for a full refund.
Late Cancellations: No refund will be issued for cancellations made within seven days of the start date. This includes no-shows or students who only attend a portion of the four-day program.
Registration Transfers: To ensure student safety and proper roster management, registrations are student and program-specific. Fees and spots are non-transferable to other participants, events, sessions, or future programs.
If We Cancel: Should WVU Parkersburg need to cancel the program for any reason, you will receive a 100% refund of all fees.