Tuscaloosa City Schools Team With Shelton State For “Explorer” Program

Tuscaloosa City Schools, Shelton State Community College, and the City of Tuscaloosa have teamed up to launch a new program.

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The new program is designed to provide a path for students who aspire to a career in law enforcement.

This "Explorer" program will allow Tuscaloosa City Schools students to participate in dual-enrollment coursework through Shelton State.

That coursework will help them work toward an Associate of Arts degree with a specialization in criminal justice.

After graduating from TCS and completing their degree at Shelton State, students will be eligible to join the Tuscaloosa Police Department as cadets with a starting salary of $38,000.

Cadets will complete two years of training and, after turning 21, may become sworn police officers.

Mike Daria, superintendent of the Tuscaloosa City schools, in a release to the Tuscaloosa Thread, said his excitement for the program centered on the clear pathway for students to join local law enforcement.

This initiative comes at a time when law enforcement across the country is facing staff shortages.

Local leaders say this program will strengthen the pipeline of qualified candidates while providing students with access to higher education and stable employment.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Shelton State President, Dr. Jonathan Koh, both released statements on the importance of this investment in our local youth.