The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Field Operations team recently launched its inaugural Teen Citizens Academy at the iconic San Juan Customs House.
Held on December 13, 2024, the program welcomed 40 students from Bayamón and Cataño public schools, aiming to inspire the next generation of public service leaders through hands-on experiences and interactive learning.
What is the Teen Citizens Academy?
The Teen Citizens Academy, a collaboration between CBP and the Alas Para Un Sueño (Wings for a Dream) program, offers an educational platform for Puerto Rican youth.
This groundbreaking initiative focuses on community engagement and leadership development, extending through June 2025 with scheduled visits to CBP facilities and collaborative sessions with federal and state partners.
The participating students gained insights into CBP’s mission, including:
- Document fraud detection
- Contraband enforcement and agriculture inspections
CBP San Juan Field Office Director of Field Operations Roberto Vaquero noted,
“This program highlights CBP’s dedication to community engagement and education. By introducing students to our mission, we inspire them to imagine their future contributions to national security and public service.”
A Day Full of Engaging Activities
During the kickoff event, students participated in interactive sessions that underscored CBP’s critical operations. Highlights included:
- K-9 Demonstrations: Showcasing the skills of trained dogs in detecting contraband.
- Pest Identification Workshops: Conducted in collaboration with USDA experts.
These hands-on experiences allowed students to witness firsthand the complexities of maintaining border security and agricultural safety.
The day’s activities culminated in inspiring presentations by two CBP Explorers from San Juan Post 818, encouraging students to consider careers in public service.
Building Strong Community Connections
The program’s long-term goals align with CBP’s mission of fostering stronger connections with the communities it serves.
Distinguished guests at the event included:
- Jonathan Velázquez, Dean of the School of Aeronautics, Inter American University of Puerto Rico
- Gisela Padilla, Superintendent of Academic Affairs, Puerto Rico Department of Education Bayamón Educational Region
- Naomy Candelaria, USDA Entomology Identifier
Their presence emphasized the program’s broad support and its potential to open doors for future collaboration.
Educational Value at a Glance
Program Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
| Participants | 40 high school students from Bayamón and Cataño |
| Main Activities | K-9 demos, document fraud workshops, USDA collaborations |
| Duration | December 2024 to June 2025 |
| Program Goal | Inspire youth leadership and public service engagement |
A Bright Future Ahead
Through initiatives like the Teen Citizens Academy, CBP underscores its commitment to shaping future leaders and fostering community ties.
For the participating students, this program provides an invaluable glimpse into the world of public service and national security, offering inspiration and practical knowledge that will benefit them for years to come.
As the academy continues, students will have opportunities to explore additional CBP facilities, further enriching their understanding of the agency’s vital role in safeguarding the nation.
Sources: THX News & US Customs and Border Protection.
