Student Trooper Program

Learn about the Student Trooper Program, a week-long experience at the State Police Academy for high school students ages 15-17 interested in law enforcement careers.

The Student Trooper Program is a week-long experience at the State Police Academy designed to give high school students a firsthand look at careers in law enforcement. Participants are exposed to the everyday demands of the job, including what training involves and what roles in law enforcement look like.

The program is sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Massachusetts, Inc. and consists of rigorous training and physical stress in a paramilitary-type academy setting.

Dates and Location

The 2026 Student Trooper Program will be held Tuesday, August 4 through Saturday, August 8, 2026.

• Announcement Date: March 20, 2026
• Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
• Acceptance Letters: June 5, 2026

The Student Trooper Program is held at the Massachusetts State Police Academy:

Massachusetts State Police Academy 

340 West Brookfield Road 

New Braintree, MA 01531

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be:

• A high school student between the ages of 15 and 17
• In good scholastic standing
• Of good moral character
• Present a well-groomed appearance. Hair must be neatly trimmed and arranged; they must be clean-shaven in accordance with State Police Academy policies.

The Student Trooper Program is open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, or nationality.

Fees

The fee for the 2026 program is $550.00. The application submission receipt email and sponsoring fee check must be received by May 22, 2026, to be considered.

Please make checks payable to American Legion, Department of Massachusetts. Mark "Youth Cadet" and the student's last name in the bottom left-hand corner. A copy of your submitted application must be included with your check. The Massachusetts American Legion will, under certain circumstances, sponsor applicant's fees. Please contact them at [phone] for further details.

Candidates who are not accepted will be notified and the sponsoring fee check will be returned. No refunds will be authorized for those that do not show up or for a student leaving the program prior to its conclusion.

Rules

The program is paramilitary in style with strict rules and regulations. Student troopers will be expected to abide by these rules and follow directions in a precise manner. Any violation is grounds for dismissal from the program without refund of the sponsor fee.

The following are not permitted:

• Gambling, alcoholic beverages, drugs (except prescriptions), smoking, or possession of any tobacco product
• Chewing gum or candy
• Profanity, obscene language, obscene literature, racial, sexual, or religious slurs, or any other type of discrimination
• Resting on, reclining on, or sitting on bunks until after Tattoo (2100 hours)
• Slouching or leaning against buildings, desks, etc.
• Hands in pockets
• Outgoing or incoming phone calls except in an emergency with prior approval of a drill instructor
• Visitors

Student troopers must:

• Shower every morning and evening
• Males must be clean-shaven at all times. Males' hair will not touch the shirt collar and will not have sideburns beyond the middle portion of the ear. Females' hair will be neat and will not touch the collar. Females may wear inconspicuous hairpins or elastics to maintain hair. Hair will not interfere with the wearing of headgear.
• Keep footwear clean at all times
• Address all Academy staff, visiting lecturers, and instructors as "Sir" or "Ma'am"
• Be respectful and courteous to each other, staff, and all persons
• Respect all property and possessions. There will be no defacing property or taking another's property. All issued gear and personal gear will be properly stored in assigned areas.
• Remain on Academy grounds at all times except during field trips. Students will remain with the group on field trips. Violation of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal. A parent or guardian will be notified to pick up the student.
• If a student wishes to leave, they must notify a drill instructor or the program coordinator. A parent or guardian will be notified to pick up the student. A student will be released to a parent or guardian only unless other arrangements are made with Academy staff. Staff members will not transport students. Parents and guardians will be responsible for transportation in case of dismissal.

Discipline problems will be handled by the drill instructors and the officer in charge. Racial, sexual, or religious slurs as well as profanity will not be tolerated. Violations of the rules and regulations are grounds for dismissal. Physical training or exercise will not be used for corrective action. Drill instructors will assign corrective action based on the following guidelines:

• Any student displaying behavior or attitude problems will be advised of the problem, advised of what is expected, and given a chance to correct it. The drill instructor and the officer in charge will be advised of any such incidents.
• If a problem arises as a result of a personality conflict between students, the students involved will be separated.
• A staff member will monitor students assigned to a work detail.
• If a student makes more than one infraction, the student may be dismissed from the program. The officer in charge will contact parents or guardians.

Any student may leave voluntarily at any time. The drill instructor will notify a supervisor who will contact the parent or guardian. The student will remain in the program pending notification. No student will be left unsupervised or allowed to leave Academy grounds alone.

Equipment

Bring only the following personal items when you report for training. Your last name and first initial should be discretely placed on all items. All items must be packed in one suitcase or duffel bag.

Required items:

• One (1) pair shower shoes, preferably plastic
• One set of twin sheets (one fitted, one flat), one pillow, one pillowcase
• Toilet articles: deodorant, shampoo, soap, shaving equipment, washcloth, comb or brush, toothbrush, toothpaste. Five-day supply. Do not bring cologne, perfume, body spray, or makeup.
• Clear water bottle with your name on it
• Two (2) solid color bath towels
• Two (2) solid color facial cloths
• One (1) gray sweatpant
• One (1) gray sweatshirt, no hood
• Minimum eight (8) pairs solid white athletic socks
• One (1) pair dark socks
• White laundry bag
• Eight (8) pairs boxer-type athletic trunks (gym shorts, navy blue solid color, knee length), minimum inseam approximately 7 inches
• Four (4) pairs compression shorts, navy blue or black solid color
• Black dress pants
• Running shoes (sneakers)
• Black shoes for graduation (may be sneakers, no high heels or elevated shoes)
• Minimum eight (8) pairs underwear (males: boxer or brief style; females: brief style)
• Minimum eight (8) navy blue crew neck t-shirts (solid color)
• Sunscreen and bug repellent

Females only:

• Five (5) white athletic bras
• Elastic, hairpins, hair combs to keep hair from touching collar
• Female hygiene products

Do not bring:

• Cell phones
• Radios, iPods, or similar devices
• Books, Kindle, Nook, iPad, or similar devices
• Cameras
• Money

Do not wear:

• Earrings (ear, facial, tongue, etc.)
• Jewelry
• Nail polish

Medication:

• All medications must be turned in to medical staff upon arrival
• Pack all medications in a one-gallon zip lock bag with the student trooper's name on the outside
• All medication must be in the original packaging with the student trooper's name on each individual package
• Do not bring over-the-counter medication (Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, cough drops). If needed, it will be provided by the Academy Health and Fitness Unit.
• If you require any other medication, you must provide a doctor's note or prescription

Fitness

The State Police Academy staff will familiarize student troopers with a recruit physical fitness program. Physical training is conducted each day and all student troopers are expected to participate. All fitness instructors are certified, and the Health and Fitness Unit is available during all physical training.

Student troopers will be instructed in and perform the following:

• Stretching: Before and after physical activity
• Aerobic training: Running will take place and student troopers should prepare for the academy by running and building up their cardiovascular endurance.
• Strength training: Exercise equipment is available to build strength. Equipment will be used as available.
• Calisthenics: Group physical training will take place using side straddle hops, sit-ups, push-ups, toe touches, and more. Student troopers should prepare for the academy and arrive in good physical condition.

Application Process

The application submission receipt email and sponsoring fee check in the amount of $550.00 must be received by May 22, 2026, to be considered.

Applicants must submit an online application and mail the sponsoring fee check along with a copy of their submitted application receipt to the American Legion. 

Apply for the Student Trooper Program  Student Trooper Program Application 

Download program materials: