June 18, 2025
Experience can be the best teacher.
“When I was a high school student, I attended a career academy through the Michigan State Police,” said Tpr. Thomas Kinnunen, Community Service Trooper assigned to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post. “It was a great template. That positive exposure was absolutely part of my decision-making process when I was considering my career.”
Trooper Kinnunen is now leading his own career academy in Munising called 911 Camp 2025.
“This is a great introduction to the diverse options available in a career of service, particularly one in the Upper Peninsula,” said Trooper Kinnunen. “We’re hands-on and highly focused on team building to keep students active and engaged.”
Camp 911 2024
Spots are still available for the free camp for students ages 13-19. It begins next week on Monday, June 23.
In Midland, the MSP is partnering with Northwood University for its Career Academy, an immersive five-day exposure to law enforcement, also next week. Registration is closed.
Several programs are scheduled throughout Michigan this summer like the Law Enforcement Career Academy, which graduated 14 students on Friday, June 13. Kiwanis Clubs and the American Legion also sponsor high school students from their area for a five-day experience at the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale.
“The growth we see in a week’s time is amazing,” said Sgt. Tyhrann V. Howard II with the Recruiting and Selection Section. “The students arrive on Sunday and stay at the Training Academy to live and learn like our trooper recruits do. These are kids who didn’t know each other a few days ago but leave as a team with new life skills and the connections to continue this career path.”
More than 500 miles away in Ironwood, it was a similar experience for 16 Michigan and Northern Wisconsin students spending the week at Gogebic Community College.
“We’re presenting real-world scenarios like traffic stops, first aid and de-escalation and so much more. We model these Career Academies after Trooper Recruit School, but condensed,” said Tpr. Joe Reneaud, assigned to the Wakefield Post. “We hope to help them understand that simple communication can be their best tool in almost any situation and maybe most importantly, that they’re capable of more than they may realize.
In July, the Michigan Youth Leadership Academy (MiYLA™) returns for the first time since 2019. Two academies are scheduled to be held for students ages 14-15 from West Branch and Flint. Students will meet with mentors individually and in groups to help strengthen relationships between youth and police. Participants are recruited by MSP community service troopers and officers from local police departments.
Additional Youth Opportunities are held throughout the year and around the state. More information about career paths with the MSP can be found at michigan.gov/MSPJobs.
