Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 36 young Kentuckians have graduated from the third annual class of the Kentucky State Police Youth Academy, according to an announcement from the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet.

The weeklong program allowed the next generation of law enforcement to interact with state police troopers and officers while learning leadership skills, physical fitness requirements and law enforcement principles. "Young people like those graduating today give me strong hope for our future," Beshear said in a statement. "I'm proud of these Kentuckians for their interest in public service and opportunities like this from the Kentucky State Police help build trust in and connection with our law enforcement."

Throughout the weeklong program, participants took part in a range of activities including exploration of core values and ethics fundamental to law enforcement, team-building exercises to cultivate collaboration and camaraderie, and hands-on demonstrations from the KSP Crime Lab to understand forensic techniques. The program, launched in 2024, continues to grow in popularity while offering 16- and 17-year-old Kentuckians an opportunity to engage with troopers and gain firsthand insight into a career in public safety.

"Through this program, participants gain firsthand insight into the many career opportunities within law enforcement – from serving as a state trooper to working behind the scenes as a forensic biologist and many other professional roles dedicated to public safety," Beshear said.

The 2026 inaugural Ted Bassett Perseverance Award was presented to Allison Hooley of Louisa, Ky., who was a second-year participant in the academy. The award is named after the founder of Trooper Island Camp, the late Retired Colonel Ted Bassett.