With bi-partisan support in both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly, a bill expanding existing public safety scholarships to include correctional officers will take effect this summer with the application process beginning January 2027.
This year – with the unwavering support of Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes – officers working in local detention centers will now have access to an existing public safety scholarship fund for higher education. HB 852/SB 285 – Higher Education – Scholarships for Correctional Officers made it through the Maryland General Assembly during the 2026 legislation session and takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Similar provisions have been introduced a handful times in prior years but had failed to pass. This program includes an annual appropriation of $2M from state general funds to be used by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to make eligible awards.
Support for the bill included associations from both the public safety and higher education communities with the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA), the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, alongside MACo, MHEC, and other supporters. There was no opposition to the bill.
From the MHEC testimony:
Public safety personnel, including correctional officers, serve on the front lines of justice and rehabilitation, often under challenging conditions. Access to scholarship support can lower barriers to entering and remaining in these careers, ultimately contributing to a more effective and stable public safety workforce.
The MCAA reiterated the value that programs like this mean for success and longevity in the corrections profession with verbal testimony from both Mary Ann Thompson, Warden of St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center as well as Assistant Warden Shytina Drummond, Worcester County Detention Center. They both discussed the impact these opportunities can have on the care and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals and lower recidivism rates. From the MCAA testiomony:
The Maryland Correctional Administrator’s Association (MCAA) believes that education enhances correctional officers’ leadership skills, which is vital for effective management and positive change within our facilities.
Additionally, the bill language was broadened to include certificates as well as traditional higher education courses. Applications for the next round of awards will be available starting January 2027 through MHEC.
