QUANTICO, Va. — Emily Roth, 16, of Auburn, graduated on June 20 from the FBI National Academy Youth Leadership Program (YLP) in Quantico, Va.

The week-long course included grueling physical training, culminating in the FBI Academy Yellow Brick Road obstacle course, classroom time covering topics such as forensics, leadership, ethics, financial management and other courses aimed at preparing young people to assume leadership roles in their schools, community and future careers.

To be selected to attend the YLP, a student must have demonstrated high academic standards and good citizenship, and they must be nominated by an FBI National Academy graduate in good standing. Regional FBINA Chapter representatives interview the candidates and select their choice to attend the program. The candidates’ qualifications are reviewed by the Executive Office and the YLP coordinator, who make the final selection.

The program is made possible through the cooperation of the FBI, and tuition and lodging are free. Each chapter pays for their candidate’s travel expenses. While the program is not offered exclusively for those choosing a career in law enforcement, interested candidates should possess a desire to gain knowledge in the American system of criminal justice, including police organization, leadership and the structure and operation of criminal courts. Participants will also be expected to share the knowledge gained with their peers following completion of the program.

Emily was selected from candidates by the New England Chapter of the FBINA to attend the 17th YLP and was nominated by her father, Tom Roth, a graduate of the 236th session of the FBINA. Roth retired after 27 years in law enforcement and is director of fraud investigations for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition a to her attendance and completion of the YLP, Emily was the recipient of the John A. Wagner Jr. Scholarship. Awarded annually to a student attending the current year’s YLP Session, the recipient is selected by the YLP staff as the student demonstrating all the attributes that the program exemplifies, including leadership.

The host chapter of the recipient is returned the student fees and the student receives a $1,000 Certificate of Deposit awarded by the Justice Federal Credit Union.