North Dakota Youth Trooper Academy
THE PROGRAM:
The North Dakota Youth Trooper Academy is a cooperative effort between the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the American Legion of North Dakota.
Our mission is to recruit young men and women from culturally diverse backgrounds from across the state of North Dakota, and to increase their understanding of the job of a state trooper. The program is designed to expose young adults to the demands of Highway Patrol Recruit training and to develop better relationships between the youth of our state and the Highway Patrol.
The Youth Trooper Academy is an intensive, four-day, residential learning experience for young adults who are entering their senior year of high school or have just graduated high school in 2025. The Youth Trooper Academy is held at the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy in Bismarck, North Dakota. The Youth Trooper Academy is not a summer camp and is not designed for troubled teenagers. The program is mentally and physically demanding. The Youth Trooper Academy utilizes a paramilitary approach to training, and discipline is strict. Candidates should be highly motivated, of good moral and ethical character, and have an interest in a career in law enforcement.
Veteran North Dakota Highway Patrol Troopers will serve as mentors and chaperones during the week. Troopers and members from other law enforcement agencies throughout the state of North Dakota will provide classroom and hands-on training in topics such as firearms safety, defensive driving, crash investigation, traffic stops, leadership, defensive tactics, and criminal law. Youth Academy Recruits will also get to experience demonstrations from the Highway Patrol’s special operations section, such as aircraft operation, Emergency Response Teams, and Police Service Dogs.
Recruits that graduate from the program will be proud of their accomplishments. The lessons learned from this program will serve them well for years to come.
The 2025 North Dakota Youth Trooper Academy runs July 28 –31, 2025.
Space in the program is limited to 16 students from across the state.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The program is open to male and female high school students who are entering their senior year of high school or have just graduated high school in 2025 and have an interest in a career in law enforcement.
Candidates must be in good academic standing with their high school. They must be of good moral character and present a well-groomed appearance.
The candidates must possess a valid ND driver license or permit.
The Youth Trooper Academy is physically demanding; those requiring special diets or having physical needs will be looked at on a case by case basis. Cafeteria style food will be served. The program is open to all, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, or national origin.
Go to the ND Highway Patrol page for more information by clicking here.
COST:
There is a $300 fee for each student that is selected to attend, that their local American Legion Post is responsible for paying. All other fees associated with the four-day course will be covered by North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Department of North Dakota American Legion. The only cost to the student will be transportation to and from the event, along with some personal items for the week.
If accepted, it will be the responsibility of the student to obtain a doctor’s certification attesting to his or her fitness. This form will be mailed to successful applicants and must be returned on the date indicated.
A parent or legal guardian must sign a release of liability for the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the American Legion of North Dakota. The release of liability form is contained in the application and must be returned along with the student’s application.
The application deadline is May 20, 2025. All applications must be mailed to:
North Dakota Highway Patrol
Sgt. Jenna Clawson
Safety and Education Officer
600 E. Blvd Ave, Dept. 504
Bismarck, ND 58505
It is our hope that participants in the North Dakota Youth Trooper Academy will return to their communities with a clearer understanding of State Trooper responsibilities. We are confident the Youth Trooper Academy will instill in these young men and women a newfound or increased respect for the Highway Patrol and when they return to their communities, they will share their experiences.
All accepted applicants will be sent a packet which includes:
- A formal letter of acceptance with report date and time
- Required equipment and clothing list
- Medical verification form
- List of personal items to bring
- Directions to the ND Law Enforcement Training Academy
If you have questions about the 2025 North Dakota Youth Trooper Academy, please contact:
North Dakota Highway Patrol
Sgt. Jenna Clawson
Safety and Education Officer
600 E. Blvd Ave, Dept. 504
Bismarck, ND 58505
Telephone: 701-328-3821
E-mail: jclawson@nd.gov
North Dakota American Legion
Curtis O. Twete
Past Dept. Commander
P. O. Box 389
McVille, ND 58254
Telephone: 701-739-8700
E-mail: cotwete@gmail.com
2025 North Dakota Youth Trooper Academy
APPLY HERE
ORIENTATION
CLASS OF 2024
COL SOLBERG GRADUATION SPEAKER
NDHP IN THE AIR
FLAG RAISING
TRAFFIC STOP
PRESENTING CREDENTIALS
