PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: December 30th, 2023
TDCJ Launches Tuition Reimbursement Program to Enhance Employee Education Opportunities
On Friday, the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) unanimously approved the launch of EmpowerEDU, a tuition reimbursement program aimed at supporting Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) employees in their pursuit of higher education.
Under the newly established program, eligible TDCJ employees will have the opportunity to be reimbursed for tuition expenses incurred while pursuing relevant courses at accredited institutions of higher education. This program is designed to aid employees in enhancing their job-related skills, work-related capabilities, and overall competency, thereby positioning them to excel in their current roles and adapt to evolving technological, legal, and procedural advancements.
“Our workforce is the backbone of this agency, and investing in their education and professional development is vital,” TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “Through the EmpowerEDU Tuition Reimbursement Program, we aim to empower our employees to not only excel in their current roles, but also to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.”
To apply for the tuition reimbursement program, applicants must be a full-time TDCJ employee with at least three continuous years (36 months) of service, a satisfactory annual job performance evaluation and not be on disciplinary probation or be a return-to-work retiree. A review committee consisting of agency administrators will evaluate each application based on the eligibility, course relevance, and potential improvement in job-related skills.
“Our goal is to establish ourselves as the No. 1 employer in Texas. We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for growth and development,” Collier said. “This program will not only help our staff advance their education, but also enhance their professional skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting TDCJ and the communities we serve.”
Employees seeking reimbursement must submit their request within 20 days of receiving their final grades and successfully completing the course. Reimbursement is capped at $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books, and mandatory fees. Reimbursement spots are limited.