The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida recently hosted its inaugural Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy, a two-day initiative designed to introduce high school students to the work of the U.S. Department of Justice and inspire future public servants.
The inaugural class included 33 students from 10 high schools across Miami‑Dade County. Participants engaged directly with federal prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary to gain insight into the federal criminal justice system.
“This program is about access and mentorship at an early stage,” said Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “For many of these students, this was their first real interaction with federal prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and judges. That kind of exposure matters. When young people can engage directly with professionals in public service, it turns something distant into something possible.”
Quiñones added that early exposure and mentorship can help shape students’ career paths and strengthen the pipeline of future public servants.
Over the two-day programme, students participated in interactive panels and presentations led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and representatives from several federal and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Secret Service, and the City of Doral Police Department.
The programme featured:
An introduction to the Department of Justice and the structure of the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Roundtable discussions with Assistant U.S. Attorneys from multiple divisions, including Civil, General Crimes, Violent Crime and Special Victims, and Economic Crimes
A panel outlining pathways to becoming a federal prosecutor
A presentation on the fundamentals of criminal investigations
A law enforcement panel highlighting interagency collaboration
A guided office tour and a visit with a U.S. Magistrate Judge
Following the success of the inaugural session, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced it will host a second Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy on April 6-7, welcoming students from private high schools across Miami-Dade County.
Officials said the initiative forms part of broader community outreach efforts aimed at strengthening public trust and building a diverse pipeline of future leaders in the justice system.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office indicated that it plans to continue the Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy in the years ahead.
