Applications now being accepted – Six weekly evening sessions in Kent County start Monday, September 21, 2026
Dover, DE – The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) invites Delaware residents to participate in its Fall 2026 Citizens Academy program, which begins on September 21 in Dover. The DOC Citizens Academy is a free six-week program that gives community members first-hand insight into how the Departments works to meet the treatment, training, and supervision needs of justice-involved individuals through its dual mission of public safety and rehabilitation. Weekly Citizens Academy sessions feature interactive presentations, facility tours, discussions with Department leaders and treatment and program providers, and the opportunity to engage with incarcerated individuals and reentrants.
Fall 2026 DOC Citizens Academy sessions will take place in the Dover area over six consecutive Monday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. beginning September 21. Informational “classroom” sessions will be held at the Delaware DOC Administration Building in Dover and facility walking tours will take place at the Dover Probation and Parole regional office, James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, and Community Corrections Treatment Center.
“The DOC Citizens Academy provides residents with a unique opportunity to see for themselves how Delaware’s correctional system works and get to know the dedicated professionals who work every day to support public safety and rehabilitation” Commissioner Terra Taylor said. “Our Citizens Academy participants go behind the scenes to learn about treatment and rehabilitation programs, education and workforce training, reentry support, community supervision, and much more. Apply today and join us this Fall!”
The DOC is seeking applications from individuals age 18 and over and no corrections or law enforcement experience is necessary. Previous Citizens Academy participants have included small business owners, employees and volunteers from public and non-profit organizations, college students, healthcare professionals, teachers, advocates, and retirees.
Interested participants must complete a short online application that is posted HERE or can complete and return the attached PDF application to DOC_MediaServices@delaware.gov by Monday, August 31. Applications will be reviewed as received on a rolling basis until the Citizens Academy class is filled. Class size is limited.
Since it was established in 2021, the DOC Citizens Academy has sought to support public engagement with the DOC through information-sharing and dialogue and to build partnerships with local residents and community-serving organizations. Academy sessions focus on a wide variety of topics, including officer and staff training, facility operations, community supervision methods, healthcare and substance abuse treatment, vocational training and education and the DOC’s central role in Delaware’s comprehensive reentry system. Participants gain a deeper understanding of how the DOC identifies – and addresses – individuals’ needs and risks in order to support their reentry success and reduce Delaware’s recidivism rate.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend and participate in Citizens Academy sessions.
Statewide, more than 4,000 individuals are currently incarcerated in Department of Correction facilities and approximately 10,000 individuals are currently being supervised by the DOC on probation or court-ordered pretrial supervision.
For more information and questions please email DOC_MediaServices@delaware.gov.