Michigan Works! Helps Criminal Justice Major Achieve Her Dream
Terri Curtis came to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for funding assistance to help her achieve her career goals. Thanks to WIOA Adult Classroom Training Funding, Michigan Works! was able to help Terri pay for her schooling and begin her career with the Alpena Police Department.
Terri attended Alpena Community College’s Criminal Justice program. She was in the 3 in 1 program through ACC and Kirtland Community College. In the fall of 2018 she attended the Kirtland Regional Police Academy and graduated from KRPA in December 2018. Upon, completion of the academy she received her Associate’s degree from ACC in Criminal Justice. Shortly after graduating the police academy, she accepted a job offer from the City of Alpena Police Department (APD). After an intensive background investigation, Terri began her career with APD April 1st, 2019. She is currently in the FTO program with APD.
“The cost of the academy along with the expensive of living was a very stressful amount,” says Terri. “While attending the police academy, your ability to work is extremely limited. With the help of Michigan Works!, I was able to attend the police academy and live in an apartment. Without Michigan Works! assistance, I would not have been able to pursue my dream of being a police officer.”
Terri continues, “There are times when you feel discouraged and ask yourself if it is all worth it. I kept reminding myself constantly that my hard work and dedication was worth it. In the long run, it payed off and my dream job is now a reality