Degree in Three helps aspiring policeman Michael White pursue a career

December 09, 2016

The Degree in Three scholarship program is designed to help full-time students complete their degree by providing tuition assistance, textbook vouchers and personalized academic support. To qualify, you must meet the program requirements, but also agree to be part of a research study. If declared eligible, you enter a lottery with a 50 percent chance of being selected for the program.

Knowing all of that, Michael White took a long shot and said, “Why not?”   

Before he knew it, he had met the requirements, entered the lottery and was among those selected. In fact, he was the first Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus student to enter the program.

Now, on the doorstep of graduation with a criminal justice degree, White looks back and credits much of his success to the benefits and experiences the Degree in Three program has given him.

“I definitely would not be as far in my criminal justice studies without the D3 Program,” White said. “The staff went the extra mile to make sure I was getting the right classes in each semester and provided me with information on the College’s Basic Police Academy.”

In addition to outstanding people, White credits the outstanding facilities at Tri-C’s Key Bank Public Safety Training Center with giving him an extra training advantage.

“Tri-C has all the latest equipment; the new firing range, driving pad and updated cars,” he said.  “Agencies know the faculty, instructors and the training I will receive at Tri-C.  That makes all the difference, all of those advantages are priceless.”

With his newly-minted criminal justice degree, White feels he’ll be well-positioned to advance far in the field. He is already employed as a police officer at Cedar Point.  

As Michael leaves Tri-C, he has some parting advice for students trying to finish their degrees:

“Find a good counselor who knows what classes are given in each semester and what you need for your degree.  Don’t do it alone.  You need a support system.  There are good faculty and staff everywhere at Tri-C who are willing to help you succeed.”