Diogenes "Dio" Ayala, Southwestern Community College criminal justice instructor, of Winterset, graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Citizens Academy program on Oct. 14, 2020.
Ayala was one of 22 individuals selected for the academy through a competitive selection process last spring. The majority of the academy was held virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, Ayala said the group was able to meet face-to-face two times during the duration of the academy.
The FBI Citizens Academy program, based in Des Moines, is an engaging seven-week program that give business, religious, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. Classes normally meet in the evenings at FBI field offices around the country. The mission of FBI Citizens Academies is to foster a greater understanding of the role of federal law enforcement in the community through frank discussion and education. Students learn about forensics, terrorism, hate crimes, cybercrime, human trafficking, money laundering and many other topics. Candidates are nominated by FBI employees, former Citizens Academy graduates, and community leaders.
Ayala has been the lead instructor for SWCC’s criminal justice program since the program was put in place in 2019. Students completing the two-year career and technical education program earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice. Some students choose to earn their Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.