Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates First Graduate of Innovative Police Academy Scholarship Program

RANDOLPH — One year after its launch, the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Police Academy Scholarship Program has achieved a key milestone: its first scholarship recipient has graduated and is now serving as a sworn police officer for the Bunker Hill Community College Police Department.

The program, the first-of-its-kind in Massachusetts, removes financial barriers for individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement by covering $7,000 in upfront police academy costs. The inaugural graduate Nayalis Hernandez completed the MPTC-NECC academy in August 2025 and was hired by the Bunker Hill Community College Police Department while in the academy, demonstrating a clear and direct pathway from scholarship to service. In just one year, the program has attracted nearly 100 inquiries and 50 applications, with one recipient currently enrolled in an MPTC academy and several in the application screening process. The initiative not only supports workforce development but also aims to build police agencies that better reflect the communities they serve.

“Seeing our first scholarship recipient become a full-time police officer is a proud moment,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program breaks down barriers, creates new opportunities for people to serve their communities, and strengthens public safety across Massachusetts.”

“This scholarship program turns opportunity into action,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are proud to see Massachusetts residents stepping forward to serve, and we are committed to continuing to open doors for those who might otherwise face barriers to entering law enforcement.”

The scholarship program was established through a $750,000 legislative appropriation, and was designed to address workforce challenges, expand recruitment pipelines, and support efforts to build police agencies that reflect the communities they serve by reducing financial barriers to entry.

“By creating alternative entry points into policing, this program is helping motivated, community-oriented individuals begin their careers while meeting Massachusetts training standards,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina K. Kwon. “The first graduate now serving as an officer is a clear example of the program’s value.”

“Seeing a scholarship recipient complete the academy and transition directly into full-time employment validates the vision behind this initiative.” MPTC Executive Director Colonel Rick Rathbun (Ret.). “The continued interest and growing number of applicants show that this program is filling a real need.”

MPTC has continued to partner with Bristol Community College and their Police Department to support outreach, application review and vetting. This collaboration helps ensure applicants receive guidance throughout the process and supports the program’s goal of reaching individuals who may not have traditionally pursued a career in law enforcement.

"I worked closely with retired Fall River police officer Mike Perreira, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police (MassCOP), and the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), to create this program, and secured $750,000 in funding to make its launch a reality, said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for advancing this innovative workforce development program and look forward to continue working with Bristol Community College. This Police Academy Scholarship Program will provide students with the academic training and skill sets they need to succeed in the Massachusetts economy. I’m thrilled to see the first graduate now sworn in as a certified police officer. Access to quality higher education sets the stage for vocational opportunities that would not have been possible; and I look forward more graduates filling the ranks of municipal police forces across the Commonwealth.”  

“As I reflect on a luncheon with Senator Michael Rodrigues in his district, while talking about a way to get our residents to a police academy without cost of their own, I now see our vision come to fruition.  The MPTC Police Academy Scholarship Program is in full swing and already showing results.  The Massachusetts Coalition of Police wholeheartedly endorses this program and looks forward to helping many individuals who may need assistance in becoming professional police officers in our communities.” said Michael Perreira, Labor Relations Manager, MassCOP    

“As a Hispanic female, I have found it difficult at times to be presented with certain opportunities. This scholarship provided a life changing opportunity that has allowed me to become the only Spanish speaking female officer on the Bunker Hill Community College Police Department.” said Patrol Officer Nayalis Hernandez “I was honestly in shock and so happy to have been given the opportunity to go through the academy on a scholarship and become a police officer. Being able to help the community, understand them and be there for people when they need me as an officer has always been a goal of mine.”

As the program enters its second year, the MPTC will continue expanding awareness, reviewing applications, refining processes and supporting scholarship recipients through academy training and into the workforce.

Applications for the MPTC Police Academy Scholarship remain open. Eligible applicants must be Massachusetts residents who self-identify as economically disadvantaged and/or as part of an underrepresented population in law enforcement, be at least 21 by academy graduation, and possess a valid driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must pass a CORI check, meet all medical, fitness standards and health insurance requirements. To apply or request additional information visit: www.mass.gov/MPTC-Scholarship

###