In Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Bristol Community College, announced on Feb. 4 the launch of the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) scholarship program.

The program is designed to expand access to careers in law enforcement by providing financial assistance to self-sponsored individuals seeking to attend a police academy. This recruitment program will allocate $750,000 towards a scholarship pilot program that will offset $7,000 in academy enrollment fees for eligible applicants to enroll in a full-time police academy operated by the MPTC.

It was made possible by Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues and other members of the legislature,

This newly established initiative represents a strategic investment in the future of public safety by addressing workforce challenges and increasing the pool of highly trained recruits. The program also aims to strengthen efforts to enhance diversity and support police agencies efforts to reflect the communities they serve.

“Law enforcement is an incredibly rewarding career, and we need more highly trained, dedicated police officers in all of our communities keeping people safe,” said Governor Maura Healey at the program’s announcement at Bristol Community College. “We are proud to launch this new program that will help more recruits enroll in and graduate from the police academy by lowering the cost of enrollment.”

Key Objectives of the MPTC scholarship program include:

• Expansion of the Candidate Pool: This program will allow more individuals to enter police academy training independently, which will increase the number of fully trained officers available for immediate hiring by local police departments.

• Reducing financial Barriers to Opportunity: The scholarship will defray $7,000 in tuition costs, making it more feasible for aspiring officers to enroll in an MPTC police academy without being pre-hired by a police department.

• Promoting Statewide Workforce Diversity: This program will encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to support ongoing efforts to strengthen representation across law enforcement.

“By providing financial assistance to aspiring police officers, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a career in law enforcement,” said MPTC Executive Director Rick Rathbun. “This scholarship program not only supports our commitment to diversity and inclusion but also strengthens our communities by fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the residents they serve.”

In its pilot phase, the MPTC will collaborate with Bristol Community College and their Police Department, which will assist in the application and vetting process. This partnership ensures that applicants receive guidance and support as they navigate the requirements of the program.

As an educational hub that serves a diverse student body, Bristol Community College is uniquely positioned to support the program’s goal of reaching individuals from various backgrounds. This partnership ensures the program can identify and prepare candidates who may not have traditionally pursued a career in law enforcement and provide them with the financial and logistical support needed to succeed.

“It’s an honor for the Bristol Community College Police Department to participate in the Municipal Police Training Committee Police Academy Scholarship Program. This program is a key part of our dedication to both community and the training of future police officers,” said Steven Kenyon, interim president of Bristol Community College.

Read the full press release here.