A bill expanding public safety scholarships to correctional officers will take effect in Maryland this summer, with the application process set to begin in January 2027. The legislation, HB 852/SB 285 – Higher Education – Scholarships for Correctional Officers, passed both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly with bipartisan support and is scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2026.
The measure aims to help correctional officers working in local detention centers access financial support for higher education. According to the announcement, this expansion comes after several unsuccessful attempts in previous years and will provide an annual appropriation of $2 million from state general funds for eligible awards through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
Supporters of the bill included organizations from both public safety and higher education sectors such as the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA), the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, MACo, MHEC, and others. No opposition was reported during its passage.
In testimony provided by MHEC officials, it was stated: “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 also voiced strong backing for the initiative. “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,” according to their testimony. Warden Mary Ann Thompson from St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and Assistant Warden Shytina Drummond from Worcester County Detention Center spoke about how these educational opportunities could improve care for incarcerated individuals while reducing recidivism rates.
Additionally, eligibility criteria were expanded beyond traditional college courses to include certificate programs as well. Applications for scholarship awards will be available through MHEC starting January 2027.
