High school students interested in law enforcement will have a chance this summer to learn what it is like to be a Kansas State Trooper.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, teens can experience what law enforcement training and careers are like through the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy. The Cadet Law Enforcement Academy program is hosted by the Patrol, and sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Cadet Law this year will be held from June 8-June 13.

The goal of Cadet Law is to give young men and women an opportunity to learn more about what law enforcement jobs entail, including the duties, training, and discipline that go along with a career in the field. It teaches high school students a great deal about leadership, and about coming together as a team.

Students at Cadet Law are coached by KHP troopers who spend the week in Salina, encouraging the students, and helping them develop. College students who have attended the KHP Collegiate Law program will help mentor the high school students during the program.

Throughout the week, cadets have a rigorous schedule to follow that is very similar to that of actual recruit troopers. The students experience a variety of classroom instruction and the real-world activities a trooper faces. Cadets go to the firing range, practice pursuit driving, fly with the Patrol’s pilots in agency airplanes, and practice car stop scenarios. Physical training and attention to detail are both emphasized throughout the duration of their academy experience.

In order for a student to be eligible to attend Cadet Law, students must be in the summer between their Junior and Senior years of high school and must have a “C+” academic average. Students must be deemed medically fit to participate in all activities. Students will need to fill out an application to attend, including writing a brief essay on why they would like to participate in the program. Applications are due by March 31st, 2014. Students should contact the American Legion at (785) 232-9315 for an application and further information. There is no cost to the cadet, but there is a $300 sponsorship fee by the local American Legion Post or American Legion Auxiliary Post. Lodging, food, and uniform are provided for the week.