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Blue Path Day introduces high school seniors to MPDs workforce pipeline

Southwest hosted its first-ever Blue Path Day March 23 in partnership with the City of Memphis Police Department (MPD). The event introduced students to the Blue Path program where graduating high school seniors can earn a paid associate degree in criminal justice at Southwest while working as a MPD police service technician (PST).  Blue Path is an exclusive workforce pipeline that began in 2017.

Mayor Jim Strickland welcomed the students and their parents while MPD officers provided an overview of the Community Outreach Program, also known as C.O.P.  Once students complete the PST training and graduate with their associate degree, and are within four months of age 21, they’ll be offered the opportunity to complete the remaining 16 of 22 weeks of MPD’s training academy to become full-fledged police officers.

Southwest admissions and financial aid counselors were on hand to answer questions about the College’s admissions process while criminal justice faculty provided guests tours of the Union Avenue campus.

“We are truly proud to partner with City of Memphis on this critical workforce pipeline,” President Tracy D. Hall said.  “These future officers will serve and protect our city one day and we consider it a privilege to play a role in their journey to become public servants.”

Memphis Police Department officers and representatives stand in front of Southwest’s Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Biotechnology Building where Blue Path Day was held.

Memphis Police Department officers and representatives stand in front of Southwest’s Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Biotechnology Building where Blue Path Day was held.

Mayor Jim Strickland welcomes students to Blue Path Day.

Mayor Jim Strickland welcomes students to Blue Path Day.