Thanks to a new grant from the Michigan Department of Corrections, employees seeking college credits have the opportunity to attend one of Michigan’s 31community colleges for free. This includes Gogebic Community College and Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.

Current state law mandates that corrections officers must complete at least 15 college credits within two years of employment. In a push to help officers complete this step, the Michigan Community College Association created the Michigan Corrections Officer Grant Program. This grant program will support tuition and fees at any MCAA college. 

“Corrections officers are critical to the safety of our communities and Michigan community colleges are pleased to make it easier for them to obtain the credit they need,” MCAA President Brandy Johnson said in a press release. “Our colleges are located in every corner of the state, making them more accessible for learners that are working and attending classes at the same time. This grant program removes barriers to success for our state’s corrections officers.”

In order to be eligible for free tuition, corrections officers must be employed by MDOC, have earned less than fifteen college credits, receive approval from MDOC for the program, and enroll in a Michigan community college. 

“This grant program is going to make a huge difference for corrections officers needing to complete their education requirements,” says MDOC Director Heidi Washington. “The ability for our officers to complete their credits at any of the thirty-one community colleges tuition free is a great opportunity.” 

The grant has a five million dollar budget, and will continue until all of the money is used. The program is estimated to run through Summer 2025, unless the money runs out before then. It will pay for tuition, course fees, program fees, lab fees and any mandatory fees, along with out-of-district rates. It will not cover books and supplies that may be needed. Corrections officers who attended classes and paid out-of-pocket in Fall 2022 or Winter 2023 are eligible for reimbursement from the MCAA, as long as they have a billing statement, proof of payment to the college and an unofficial transcript. 

 Corrections officers accepted into the program must submit a billing statement from the community college they select, as well as an unofficial transcript after the completion of the semester. 

The Michigan Community College Association is the voice for Michigan’s community colleges. According to MCAA, they “empower members to lead in the areas of student success, talent development and community vitality.” Their vision is to be a, “nationally  recognized state association providing effective leadership in talent, community, and economic development.”

In the 2022-23 school year, the organization served over 280,000 students. Outside of the corrections department, MCAA offers assistance to first-generation college students, single parents, students with disabilities and many others.

For more information on the Michigan Community College Association, visit mcaa.org.