Four women holding certificates.

About the JWA

The Sheriff's Junior Women's Academy (JWA) is a unique and empowering program designed to expose young women to the vast array of career opportunities within law enforcement and public safety. Modeled after Contra Costa’s Junior Women’s Academy, the San Diego version was tailored to highlight local opportunities in San Diego County.

The first San Diego Sheriff's Junior Women's Academy was held at Palomar College in San Marcos from June 12-14, 2024. Over the course of three days, more than 50 participants between the ages of 14-18 years were immersed in a variety of hands-on experiences designed to spark interest and open doors to future careers in law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice.

Upcoming Event:

The next Academy will take place June 16–18, 2026.

Registration opens in January 2026.

Immersive Experiences in Law Enforcement

During the academy, participants had the opportunity to explore various law enforcement career paths through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and practical activities.

Highlights included:

  • Working at a Detention Facility: Participants explored the responsibilities of detention officers and the role they play in the justice system.
  • Investigative Techniques: Learning about crime analysis, investigative methods, and the essential work of crime analysts.
  • Forensic Science: A deep dive into the forensic methodologies employed by crime lab scientists to solve cases.
  • K-9 Units: Exploring the capabilities and vital role of Sheriff’s K-9 units in law enforcement.
  • Helicopter Operations: Engaging with Sheriff's fire helicopter pilots and learning about aerial operations, missions, and the role of ASTREA (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies).
  • Sobriety Testing: Hands-on experience with field sobriety tests, a key tool in law enforcement.

In addition to these sessions, participants attended discussions on critical topics such as human trafficking and defensive tactics.

 Women with deputy outside, kid punching a bag held by girl with red background, kids outside.

Support, Networking, and Engagement Opportunities

Career Fair & Networking:

A career fair, sponsored by California Coast Credit Union, Starbucks, and Palomar College, provided participants with the opportunity to connect with local employers and learn about potential career pathways. One of the highlights of the career fair was the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter landing, where participants had the chance to interact with pilots, learn about mission types, and get up close with the helicopter.

 

Kids meeting a pilot in green jumpsuite with blue and white helicopter outside in the grass.

 Chickfila logo with chicken in red caligraphy style and red and green logo with pick axe and mountain.

Daily Meals and Support:

Throughout the academy, participants were provided with breakfast, healthy snacks, and lunch to keep them energized. Generous donations from local businesses, including Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Chick-fil-A, helped provide the daily meals, ensuring the participants had the fuel they needed for a full day of learning.

Graduation & Family Involvement:

The academy concluded with a graduation ceremony on the final day, where families were invited to celebrate the accomplishments of their daughters. The event was a memorable closing to an impactful three days. Many parents and family members expressed their gratitude, sharing how the academy positively impacted their daughters’ lives. Several Sheriff's employees who had family members in the program also reported enthusiastic feedback, with the JWA becoming a major topic of conversation within their households.

 Four kids with two holding certificates with seven point star in the background.

 women in blue shirt giving information to three women with a bus in the background.

Open Invitation & Accessibility:

The San Diego Sheriff's Junior Women's Academy is an open invitation to all young women in San Diego County. The academy is designed to be inclusive, offering transportation services to and from the academy through four designated pickup and drop-off locations. For the first academy, 35% of participants utilized this service, and we anticipate providing transportation for future academies as well to ensure all young women have the opportunity to attend.

Looking Ahead

The Junior Women’s Academy will be held annually, and we are excited to continue offering this valuable opportunity to young women across San Diego County. We are proud of the positive feedback we’ve received and look forward to inspiring future generations of young women to explore careers in law enforcement and beyond.