In October of 2015, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) introduced a new criminal justice program. In the span of just three years, several students have begun employment with the Michigan Department of Corrections as officers and food-service staff. Many former KBOCC criminal justice program students work at the Baraga Correctional Facility.

“There are over 20 KBOCC criminal justice students who have gained employment with the Michigan Department of Corrections,” says KBOCC criminal justice instructor Bill Jondreau. “That has had a tremendous positive impact in the local economy—over $1 million in state payroll.”

The Criminal Justice program at KBOCC is unique compared to similar programs at other colleges. The three instructors have 75 years of combined experience working in a maximum security correctional facility. “our instructors present a realistic approach to the corrections field, having experienced corrections from inside the facility,” continues Jondreau. “our work experience provides a unique understanding of the dynamics of corrections.”

“Realism is crucial in such an important and challenging career as corrections,” says Joe Bouchard, also a KBOCC criminal justice instructor. “I believe that this improves safety for staff, prisoners, and the public. I can think of no other higher education institution in the area that offers such experience to students.”

New courses have been developed to help students continue their education beyond satisfying entry-level requirements. These new offerings are designed for those who may wish to enhance their future chances for promotion. Also, these new courses provide a deeper knowledge of the corrections field.

“Juvenile justice, stress management in corrections, Anishinaabe justice, and policing are among the new classes,” says Bouchard. “Add those to the basic courses and specialty topics of staff relations and contraband control and you have a wide variety of quality courses.”