Employees Empowered with Tuition Reimbursement Program

by Robert Hurst

“We want to be the number one place to work in Texas!” This is the message from David Yebra, director of the Training and Leader Development Division. To achieve this goal, TDCJ is implementing a program for employees who want to begin or further their education by reimbursing their tuition.

This fall, an application process was launched for employees to submit requests to their division directors to have their tuition expenses reimbursed while pursuing educational opportunities at accredited institutions of higher learning.

To apply for the tuition reimbursement program, one 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.

The form to request tuition reimbursement must be submitted 60 days before the deadline to enroll in a higher education course with an explanation of the relevance for taking the course along with details about the institution of higher learning.

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 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.”

When an employee is selected for the tuition reimbursement program, they must remain employed during the semester of their course work, as well as for a specified period after they have completed their studies. If an employee fails to adhere to these requirements, then they may be required to make a full restitution of the payment.

Employees must request reimbursement within 20 days of receiving their final grades and successfully completing the course, as verified by the TDCJ Business and Finance Division. Reimbursement is capped at $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory fees.

The tuition reimbursement program benefits employees by improving job-related skills and providing financial assistance while positioning them to excel within the agency.

Yebra said TDCJ needs to make sure that job seekers know that there are opportunities available within the agency besides being a Correctional Officer.

“When you look at the job postings on the agency’s website, you’ll see positions in Information Technology (IT), Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Logistics and Health Services,” Yebra said. “We have to let folks know that opportunities exist in TDCJ besides being an officer on a unit.”

For more information about the tuition reimbursement program, contact the Training and Leader Development Division at (936) 437-3201 or scan the QR code to access online information.