Bethune-Cookman University and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Partner to Extend Internship and Employment Opportunities in the Juvenile Justice Field to B-CU Students

B-CU Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Bethune-Cookman University and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) have partnered to provide internship and employment opportunities to qualified B-CU students (undergraduate and graduate) majoring in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Political Science, and Health Science. The MOU will afford B-CU faculty and students the opportunity to work collaboratively with the DJJ Research & Data Integrity staff to identify and conduct cutting-edge juvenile justice research to improve the effectiveness of juvenile services across the department’s service delivery continuum.

“This is not only a first for a Florida HBCU, but any institution of higher learning in Florida,” said Dr. Randy Nelson, Director of the B-CU Center for Law & Social Justice and Department Chairperson of the Masters in Criminal Justice Administration program. “ We continue to lead the state and nation with creating innovative opportunities for our talented students,” he added.

“DJJ is excited to partner with Bethune Cookman University, a prestigious institution of higher learning, to further the department’s research efforts and provide opportunities for students interested in making a difference in Florida’s juvenile justice system,” said Secretary Simone Marstiller.

B-CU offers a Juvenile Justice Reform Certificate program in partnership with the Annie E. Casey foundation. Students who complete the certificate program and gain real-world experience with the FDJJ will be ideally positioned to become the next generation of juvenile justice professionals and leaders. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is a nationally recognized leader in the field of juvenile justice. The stated mission of DJJ is “to increase public safety by reducing juvenile delinquency through effective prevention, intervention and treatment services that strengthen families and turn around the lives of troubled youth.”

“Thank you to all involved for your assistance and commitment to thinking and working outside the box to the benefit of our beloved institution and those it serves,” Dr. Nelson concluded.