Media Release
Contact: Brenda Kanno, Director of Communications
news@fbincaaa.org

SHAYA FAMILY YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AWARD PRESENTED TO FBI CINCINNATI AND FBI PHOENIX CAAA  

(St. Petersburg, Florida, July 14, 2025) – FBI Cincinnati Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Cincinnati CAAA) and FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Phoenix CAAA) were awarded the 2025 Shaya Family Youth Engagement Award. The awards were presented at the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association’s (FBI National CAAA) Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Tampa, Florida on June 25, 2025.

Named in honor of philanthropic leaders Mary Shaya and her son Dr. Stephen Shaya, the award is presented to Chapters that deliver impactful youth outreach programs to connect, engage, and support young people in academic, civic, and personal growth activities. Building bridges and relationships with the FBI and other law enforcement and civic organizations are key goals of the program.

FBI Cincinnati CAAA was recognized for its strong partnership with the FBI Cincinnati Field Office in developing and supporting outreach programs for students ranging from FBI Teen and Collegiate Academies for high school and college students to summer camp for middle school students. These programs serve as a vital platform for the FBI to extend its outreach efforts and foster positive relationships with young people. Students are provided insights into the mission and priorities of the FBI, engage in community outreach activities, develop knowledge essential for success, and explore potential career paths within the FBI and law enforcement.

“The Cincinnati Chapter's youth outreach program exemplifies their commitment to community engagement, youth empowerment, and partnership-building,” said Valerie Minner, President of FBI National CAAA.

FBI Phoenix CAAA was honored for its innovative partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to bring child safety education to schools, parents, and educators. Through NCMEC’s Community Education Partner Program, chapter volunteers receive essential training to support the delivery of high-quality, impactful programs to raise awareness and prevent child exploitation such as cyberbullying, abduction, and abuse.

“The partnership is a great example of how various entities can partner to make a difference in the lives of young citizens,” commented Minner. ”The program exponentially expands the reach of critical prevention education across the Phoenix community.”

For more information, view the 2025 Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony video.

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FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBINCAAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that works in partnership with the FBI to promote public safety and security through community engagement, education, and outreach initiatives. Founded in 2005, the National organization provides training, resources, and governance oversight for 56 local FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Chapters representing more than 53,000 business, civic, religious, and community leaders across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico.