Drury University (DU) in Springfield, Missouri announced Thursday that it would be offering scholarship opportunities to law enforcement officers who wish to continue their college education at the university.
The DU ‘Badge to Bachelor’s’ Program will offer a $500 scholarship each semester to law enforcement officers who enroll in Drury GO, the university’s evening and online degree program. Graduates of Drury Law Enforcement Academy will be eligible to receive up to $600 per semester in scholarship aid for continuing education.
Drury now offers law enforcement officers a new scholarship opportunity toward a degree in order to help them further their careers and better serve their communities.
Learn more about Badge to Bachelor's:https://t.co/4uzCJBYH3z
— Drury University (@DruryUniversity) March 4, 2021
Students over the age of 25 who have been out of college for two or more years are also eligible for full-funding opportunities through Missouri’s Fast Track program.
“While many law enforcement officers already have a degree or have obtained significant college credits as a requirement for getting their job, many others are seeking degrees to become eligible for promotions,” chief Drury spokesperson Mike Brothers told the News-Leader.
Keeping that in mind, the university has launched over 30 degrees, including two bachelors-level degrees that it hopes will pique the interest of incoming students. First, a law enforcement degree for those who want “a successful and rewarding career in local, state and federal justice systems.” Second, a criminal justice degree for those who want to work in criminal investigation and conviction.
Students enrolled in any of these degrees are eligible for scholarship funding.
Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams has thanked the university for offering this unique opportunity. “I was notified of this new program last month and have made SPD officers aware,” he said.