A Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony was held at the 36th District Court to commemorate the official partnership between the Court and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
The agreement was signed by Chief Judge Pro Tem Larry D. Williams, Jr., and Donald Shelton, Director of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program (retired Circuit Court Judge). The mutually beneficial collaboration expands community ties, facilitates academic access and promotes higher education opportunities for Court employees through the Community Service Personnel Scholarship Program (CSPS) offered by U of M-Dearborn.
As an official participating organization, Court employees may now apply for the CSPS, valued at 20% of the full assessed tuition and fees in each semester they are enrolled at the undergraduate or graduate level in any academic program offered at U of M-Dearborn. The Court’s Tuition Reimbursement Program, which is available to employees meeting the set requirements, may be used in conjunction with the CSPS to further defray the cost of earning a degree.
Chief Judge Pro Tem Larry D. Williams, Jr. stated, “We are so pleased to partner with this esteemed University and opening the door to more affordable post-secondary education for our employees.” The Court, under the leadership of Chief Judge Nancy M. Blount, reached out to U of M and began working together on the MOU.
Kelli Moore Owen, Court Administrator, added, “Keith Bridges, a Court Services Supervisor, suggested this to Administration after seeing a flyer noting other similar public safety organizations listed as participants in the scholarship program.” She continued, “We have many employees that are either in the process of completing their degree or want to pursue a degree. This scholarship program assists them in achieving those goals.”
