Cherokee TV

Accelerated Career Advancement Program Offered for Law Enforcement Pros

CTV STAFF
Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Appalachian Technical College is introducing the Law Enforcement Accelerated Academic Program (LEAAP), a program that school officials say offers working professionals a flexible and affordable way for career advancement.

LEAAP is a combination of condensed course offerings in online and traditional learning formats.

"Scheduling presents a major challenge for working professionals in terms of attaining an advanced education," said Trey Drawdy, criminal justice instructor.

Through the combination of curriculum and class scheduling students may be able to complete the program in as few as seven quarters, officials say, and students with Basic Peace Officer Certification may receive up to 13 exemption credit hours further accelerating completion of the program.  A limited number of seats are available.  

Appalachian Tech has seen significant interest from local law enforcement agencies, officials say.

"The LEAAP program is an innovative and cost effective way to bring law enforcement officials into the world of academia," said Canton Assistant Police Chief Todd Vande Zande, Assistant Police Chief, an adjunct instructor and member on the Criminal Justice Program Advisory Board at Appalachian Tech.

"LEAAP is an outstanding program," Vande Zande said.  "Advanced education is necessary and beneficial for improved occupational professionalism. Appalachian Tech has created a program which meets the economic and scheduling challenges of individuals already employed in law enforcement.

Graduates of the LEAAP program will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice with the option to participate in program specific articulation with Reinhardt College's Bachelors Degree in Public Safety Leadership at the North Fulton Center.

Officails say another major benefit of the LEAAP program is its affordability as most students who are Georgia residents qualify for the Georgia HOPE Grant which pays tuition cost, most applicable fees and a book allowance up to $100. 

"The HOPE Grant makes a post secondary education more affordable than ever," said Director of External Affairs Jennifer Nelson, adding today's economic situation, post secondary training and education is more important than ever due to the competitive employment market.

Fall Quarter begins October 1. 

Individuals interested in enrolling should contact Trey Drawdy at (678)454-1808 or email at tdrawdy@appalachaintech.edu.