The Junior Special Agent Program

The Boston Division adopted the Patrick F. Gavin Middle School in South Boston, Massachusetts, on October 22, 1997 and is in its fifth year of the Junior Special Agent Program.

The Boston Division has developed a partnership with the Department of Education, through liaison with Stephen Demasco, founder of the "Kids For Life Foundation." Having been raised on welfare, a victim of the projects himself, Demasco's appreciation for the struggles of inner city youth has led to a life-long dedication to working with at-risk children, teenagers, and their families as a way of giving back. The "Kids for Life Foundation" employees and the FBI employees in the Boston Division go into the city schools and introduce students to discipline and responsibility, self-esteem, and character development. Through this partnership between Demasco and the FBI, these students can see someone who believes in them and someone they can strive to be.

Another partnership has been developed with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Governor's Alliance Against Drugs, Boston Police Department, State Police, and FBI, on several drug abuse prevention initiatives during the summer months and also coordinated a Red Ribbon Campaign - Community Drug Awareness Information Fair.

Citizens' Academy

The Boston Division had its fourth Citizens' Academy with 28 attendees to including CEOs, senior executives, and community leaders. The curriculum consisted of presentations made by supervisors or agents on different cases within the Boston Division. The fourth Citizens' Academy was a great success and all of the attendees found it very interesting; the fifth Citizens' Academy is being planned for April 2002. A Citizens' Academy Foundation was established wherein a President and officers have been selected and will assist in the planning of our next Academy.

The Boston COP is currently planning its second Citizens' Academy Alumni Gathering. Over 100 Citizens' Academy alumni are invited back for a gathering wherein plans for the next Citizens' Academy are discussed and nominations are received. Upcoming events for the Alumni group may include a trip to Quantico or a Day at the Range. We also have created a Citizens' Academy Newsletter.

Speeches and Presentations

The Boston Division employees are constantly making presentations and attending career fairs for all grade levels in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. The Boston COP has participated in over 50 career days and school presentations. It has also participated in over 25 tours of the Boston Division and is very active in the Job Shadow Program, a program in which students can meet an agent, receive a tour, and watch a film about the FBI. The Boston Community Outreach Program is also available for speaking engagements at area Boys and Girls Clubs and YMCAs.