Joint Opportunity to Learn and Strive

JOLT is an experiential class designed for students that are interested in working in the Criminal Justice field. Class is co-taught by MNSU-Mankato Criminal Justice Program faculty and Blue Earth County Community Corrections probation agents, with cooperation and collaboration from the Mankato Family YMCA Brother-Sister Program.  It is a unique class that offers students an in-person opportunity to partner with current probation officers to learn what a career in probation is like, a classroom experience led by Criminal Justice faculty, and a role as a mentor for youth in the greater Mankato area.

Course Objectives

• Students will sharpen their skills working with juveniles. 
• Students will be exposed to learning opportunities related to community corrections (i.e. attend court hearings, and meetings, and become familiar with probation processes).
• Classroom discussion will supplement and integrate field experiences.

Course Requirements

• Students will attend in-person classes and complete the required coursework.
• Students will receive comprehensive training and orientation from the Mankato YMCA.
• Students will spend approximately 4 hours a week with their assigned YMCA mentee.
• Students will complete fieldwork as dictated in the course syllabus. This includes specific tasks related to the field of Criminal Justice.
• Students will work approximately 3 hours a week with their assigned agent in Blue Earth County or a surrounding area agent.
• Attend weekly discussions about work activities

This is a two-semester commitment. Interested students for the program should contact Jessica McLaughlin at jessica.mclaughlin@mnsu.edu the spring semester before they want to participate in the class. Applicants will participate in a formal interview and be subject to a background check.

If you have any questions?  Contact: jessica.mclaughlin@mnsu.edu