Media Release
Contact: Brenda Kanno
news@fbincaaa.org

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

(St. Petersburg, Florida, March 20, 2026) – FBI Cincinnati Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Cincinnati CAAA) and FBI Newark Citizens Academy Alumni Association (FBI Newark CAAA) are this year’s recipients of the 2026 Shaya Family Youth Engagement Award.

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: Through a continuum of age-appropriate academies spanning elementary, high school, and collegiate participants, provided meaningful, hands-on engagement with the FBI’s mission, values, and people. Collectively, the initiatives advanced the Bureau’s outreach priorities by fostering informed understanding, encouraging public service, and establishing enduring relationships with youth, families, educators, and community partners, hallmarks of impactful youth engagement aligned with the purpose of the Shaya Family Youth Engagement Award.

FBI Newark CAAA: Activities included:

• Youth Engagement Day at the American Dream Mall brought together 60 young participants who learned about the FBI’s mission and important safety issues, including drugs, sexting, human trafficking, and gang violence, with support from 20 participating agents.
• Shop with a NJ Cop connected 63 youth from financially challenged families with law enforcement officers for holiday support and relationship‑building.
• A partnership between FBI Newark and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center/Children’s Hospital provided gifts and educational resources to young patients in the Pediatric Behavioral Health Unit, a group that often receives limited attention and philanthropic support.

“These partnerships are great examples of how we can make an impactful difference in the lives of young citizens,” commented Kelly Lopez, Acting President of FBINCAAA. ”Youth engagement strengthens communities, fuels innovation, and prepares the next generation to lead effectively.”

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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 55 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.