Criminal Justice Academy (CJA) Instructor Toolkit: Resources and Help for Students

Colleges also offer students resources such as a writing center. While various writing centers receive mixed grades from students, some students find the writing center extremely helpful. At the very worst, such instruction will certainly do no harm. Telling students about such services can go a long way toward orienting a student who may not know where to look.

Some other resources include:

• Professional Development: Bronx Community College offers career support through the Career Development Office. Services include work readiness, résumé writing, and a series of workshops about employment.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Students may not be aware that in addition to financial aid there are scholarships offered through the city, the state, corporations, and charitable foundations. Some students may just need a little encouragement to apply.  For information on grants see CUNY’s scholarship database.  

If they consider their students’ diverse backgrounds, instructors are in a key position to aid the Justice Academy scholars through support, sensitivity, and connecting them to resources. The following is a list of ways instructors can respond to the needs of these students:

• Be mindful when assigning group work. Many students have obligations that prevent them from meeting up outside of scheduled class time.
• Ensure there is always a free copy of any required reading material available through the library or posted online.
• Inform students of opportunities for additional funding through scholarships and contests.
• Identify students in need of additional academic or English instruction and inform them of the services available.
• Connect students to real-world opportunities in the field of criminal justice by encouraging internships and directing students to the career center for support in applying for jobs.