The department partners with educational institutions to provide affordable educational opportunities for staff and offenders. Partnership information is available under the “Training Academy” tab on the intranet site.

In a recent survey of staff education needs and preferences, more than 70% of respondents indicated interest in earning a college degree if tuition assistance and/or discounts are available. Online learning was the preferred format, with in-seat preference also indicating a strong presence. Criminal Justice was listed as the most desired degree program, though staff showed interest in other programs as well. The survey results will be instrumental in partnership discussions. 

For this initiative, DORS Administrator Cindy Wansing and Planning & Grants Manager Ernie Wren have been working together to develop a number of partnerships that would encompass a diverse field of educational options for staff and offenders. Additionally, they are working on multi-partnerships between MODOC, technical schools, community colleges and four-year institutions to establish innovative educational pathways that unite educational cost savings to the highest level. Stay tuned for updates.

The Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA) is now accepting applications for the Susan M. Hunter Scholarship. To be eligible, an applicant:

• Must be the child of a corrections employee (current full-time, retired, or deceased) within any ASCA-member department of corrections. 
• Must enroll full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, or an accredited graduate program.
• Must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.3 if enrolling as a first-time, first-year college student.
• Must be working toward a degree in corrections or criminal justice if enrolling as a graduate student. 

Scholarship amounts are $1,500 for undergraduate students, $1,500 for graduate students and $750 for scholarship renewals. The deadline is March 14. Get application details at the ASCA site.

Institutional Activity Coordinator Shona Simpson is fully embracing the opportunity. "I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned a lot about writing. I've learned that I can actually do this," she says. "I've inspired my children, and now they want to go to college. So, I'm not the only one who has been blessed through this program." Watch the video »

Probation & Parole Officer II Nancy Foulke, the department's January 2019 employee of the month, knows how to both keep her cool and take swift action in an emergency. When an offender collapsed at a sentencing hearing, Foulke rushed to his side to help, stayed with him while he regained consciousness, and kept him calm until emergency medical services arrived. Officer Foulke's compassion and professionalism are an inspiration. 

Maria Munoz-Pulido had more than 20 years of experience in food service when she moved to Chillicothe. Still, she was surprised and elated to land a job as a cook at Chillicothe Correctional Center. Now she says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is working with offenders and teaching them new job skills — as well as people skills. "That's my favorite thing," she says, "giving respect and getting respect." Find out why she loves her job. Watch the video »

Corrections Officer I Allen Bate was working in the dining room at Cremer Therapeutic Community Center when he noticed that an offender appeared to be choking. Bate asked the whether he could breathe, and when the offender responded by shaking his head, Bate quickly delivered back blows and dislodged the food from the offender's airway. Officer Bate’s perceptiveness, training and quick thinking helped prevent serious injury or loss of life. We're lucky to have this real-life superhero in the MODOC family.

Puppies for Parole trainees at Ozark Correctional Center are looking for love. Clockwise from top left: Fiery redhead Copper is a smart, high-energy go-getter who learns fast. Companionable Shadow has mastered the basics and walks well on a leash. Guilty pleasure: chewing on boots. Freespirited Lily knows commands but is sometimes ruled by her hound dog tracking instincts. Affectionate Harlow gushes love and enjoys long walks with a companion; she's a loyal pet and natural lap dog. Is one of these pups a perfect match for you or someone you know? Swipe right! (Just kidding. Click this link.)

Want to make a difference in the life of a Missouri kid? With support from First Lady Teresa Parson and Second Lady Claudia Kehoe, the state government is reviving the Missouri Mentor Initiative in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. State employees have the opportunity to mentor to a young person for up to one hour (of paid leave) per week during the work week. To begin the application process, submit an email or written request to your supervisor. If approved by your division director, you must submit an application to Big Brothers Big Sisters for screening.

Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will.

Last year, Missouri approved House Bill 1246 to combat human trafficking. It requires posters raising awareness of resources for human trafficking victims to be displayed in many public buildings throughout the state, starting March 1, 2019. The Missouri Department of Public Safety has made these posters available for download from their website. 

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