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If you are interested in becoming a law enforcement officer, a corrections sergeant, a lawyer, a judge, or another contributing member of the judicial system, now is the time to enroll into a degree program that will help you gain the skills and technical knowledge that you need to possess.
While financial aid and state grants can help cover the cost of your education, the funds that you receive may not be enough to help you live off of your student salary. If you need extra funds to pay for tuition fees or to cover your living expenses, here are 25 scholarships just for undergraduate and graduate-level criminal justice majors. Read this straightforward criminal justice scholarship guide, and start applying before any upcoming deadlines.
1. ACJA/LAE COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: December 31
The American Criminal Justice Association has established a Competitive Scholarship Program for members of Lambda Alpha Epsilon who are enrolled in a degree program and majoring in a field related to criminal justice. Upper level, lower level and graduate level students are dispersed on first, second, and third place categories based on the students who are chosen. To be eligible for the ACJA/LAE Competitive Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
* Be a US Citizen or an eligible legal resident
* Be a member of a ACJA/LAE Chapter
* Currently enrolled in a recognized criminal justice program
* Enrolled a minimum of 2/3 time or full-time
* Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Contact
American Criminal Justice Association Competitive Scholarship
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
PO Box 601047
Sacramento, CA 95860-1047
(916) 484-6553
E-Mail: acjalae@aol.com
Website: http://www.acjalae.org/
2. ACJA/LAE: RICHARD MCGRATH MEMORIAL FUND
Deadline: December 1
The American Criminal Justice Association also offers another award to deserving Lambda Alpha Epsilon members that is funded by the Richard McGrath Memorial Fund. The purpose of this award is to cover the Conference Registration Fee that all members must pay to attend the National Conference. To receive this award, you must be nominated by a leader within your chapter and meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria for this award is as follows:
* Be a member of ACJA/LAE and in good standing with your chapter
* Be enrolled in a degree program with a major in criminal justice
* Have proof you have been active within your chapter
* Have attended a regional meeting in the past
* Submit a nomination form to the regional president
Contact
Richard McGrath Memorial Fund
American Criminal Justice Association
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
PO Box 601047
Sacramento, CA 95860-1047
(916) 484-6553
E-Mail: acjalae@aol.com
3. BRUCE C. BADE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Deadline: May 1
The Bruce C. Bade Scholarship is sponsored by the Blackford County Community Foundation, and available to residents of Blackford County, Indiana who are planning to enroll in a college degree program with a focus in the field of criminal justice. This scholarship was established to honor Judge Bade of Blackford County to provide financial help to students who wanted to enter the field. The annual scholarship award is granted to between 1 and 5 individuals in an amount ranging between $500 and $5000. To be eligible for this scholarship award you must:
* Be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate level degree
* Be attending a program majoring in criminal justice, law, or a related field
* Be a resident of Blackford County
Contact
BRUCE C. BADE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Scholarship Administrator
Blackford County Community Foundation
121 North High Street
P.O. Box 327
Hartford City, IN 47348
Phone: 765 348-3411
4. CAPTAIN JIM UNTERWAGNER SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: March 15
The Captain Jim Unterwagner Scholarship is a competitive one-time award that is granted to a single recipient each year. Sponsored by the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, all students applying for this scholarship opportunity must be enrolled to attend this school to be eligible. After applications are reviewed by the financial aid committee, one lucky and deserving student will receive an award of $1200. To be eligible, applicants must meet these eligibility requirements:
* Must be studying criminal justice, criminology, sociology, or social work
* Must have 64 credits completed
* Must attend Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
* Must be a College Senior
* Must demonstrate financial need
Contact
CAPTAIN JIM UNTERWAGNER SCHOLARSHIP
Financial Aid Office
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
1 Morrow Way
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Phone: 724 738-2044
email: financial.aid@sru.edu
5. CHICAGO POLICE AND FIREFIGHTER TRAINING ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: December 13
If you are interested in becoming a Chicago Police Officer or Firefighter, you will need to attend the 4-year Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy so that you can earn school credit and prepare yourself for your future career. The CPFTA offers cadets of the 4-program a 2-year scholarship to cover educational costs. While the awards can range in value, all cadets must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to be guaranteed a scholarship:
* Must be enrolled in the 2-year high school component and earn a 3.0 GPA average or higher
* Maintain an attendance rate of 90% or higher through the high school cadet program
* Must pass a drug screening
* Must have a driving record free of revocations and suspensions
Contact
CHICAGO POLICE AND FIREFIGHTER TRAINING ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP
Chicago Public Schools
College and Career Preparation
125 S. Clark St., 12th Fl.
Chicago, Il 60603
Phone (773) 553-2108
6. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA SCHOLARSHIPS
Deadline: December 31
The Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping members of the association serve all of the residents in Georgia better. In order to serve residents better, the state continues to need experienced and skilled criminal justice professionals. In an effort to empower residents of Georgia to pursue careers in criminal justice, the COAG offers two different $1000 scholarships to high school students and undergrads who qualify. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
* Attend an accredited college or university in Georgia
* Pursue a degree in government, law, science, accounting, business, or pre-law
Contact
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA SCHOLARSHIPS
Suzanne Cross
COAG
PO Box 1644
Decatur, GA 30031
Phone: 404-377-1364
email: coagoffice@bellsouth.net
7. CRIMINAL JUSTICE, FIRE SCIENCE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP (KAPLAN UNIVERSITY)
Deadline: varies
The Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and Emergency Services Scholarship is an award that is offered to first-time students who are enrolled in accepted programs with the sponsor, Kaplan University. This one-time renewable award will range between $400 and $500, and can be granted to multiple students each year. In order to qualify, students at Kaplan University must meet the following guidelines:
* Enrolled in an online undergrad criminal justice, emergency management, or fire science program
* Have at least 1-year full-time experience in the field
Contact
CRIMINAL JUSTICE, FIRE SCIENCE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP
Alison Moseley
Kaplan University/ Admissions
6301 Kaplan University Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 866 527-5268
URL: http://online.kaplanuniversity.edu
8. DRINKO CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: Varies
The Drinko Criminal Justice Scholarship is a competitive, needs-based award that is granted to applicants who can demonstrate financial need. The renewable $4000 award is given to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in college who maintain acceptable enrollment status and are pursuing a degree in criminal justice or a related field. To qualify for this opportunity, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
* Must maintain a minimum CPA of 2.0 or higher
* Must major in Criminal Justice or Safety programs
* Must apply for renewal each year
* Must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program full-time at Keystone College
Contact
DRINKO CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIP
Ginger Kline, Director of Financial Aid
1 College Green
LaPlume, PA 18440
Phone: (570) 945-8132
Email: financialaid@keystone.edu
9. EARL WARREN CIVIL RIGHTS TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW STUDENTS
Deadline: March 15
The Earl Warren Civil Rights Training Scholarship is available to empower African American students who are studying law. This competitive scholarship will grant 20 awards of $3000 each to students who can demonstrate academic achievement as an undergraduate student. To be eligible for this scholarship you must:
* Be an African American master’s level student
* Major in law
* Demonstrate academic achievement
* Maintain a full-time enrollment status to receive renewal
Contact
EARL WARREN CIVIL RIGHTS TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN LAW STUDENTS
Maruja Corro
99 Hudson Street Suite 1600
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 965-2225
Email: mcorro@naacpldf.org
10. HEEF MIKE CORONA FOUNDATION LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Deadline: March 11
The HEEF MIke Corona Foundation offers annual renewable scholarships to graduating Orange County high school seniors and transfer students who are pursuing a degree in any facet of law enforcement. The needs-based scholarship can be used to cover any educational expenses, like tuition, living expenses, meals and books. If you are interested in applying for this $1000 renewable scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
* Be a latino/a who has lived in Orange County for 6 years or more
* Be a high school senior enrolling in a 4-year college or a community college in OC
* Be eligible for Federal Financial Aid
* Be pursuing a degree in a field of law enforcement
Contact
HEEF MIKE CORONA FOUNDATION LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Orange County Community Foundation
4041 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 510
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949.553.4202 ext. 46
Email: mabril@oc-cf.org
11. INDIANA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: April 1
The Indiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship Fund was set up in an effort to receive funds and invest these funds into the future by providing scholarships to Indiana college students who are committed in earning a degree in the field of law enforcement. Members, dependents, and grandchildren of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association are eligible to apply for this competitive award. In order to be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
* Must be an Indiana resident
* Be a current member or relative of a member of the association
* Be pursuing an education in law enforcement from an Indiana college
* Be enrolled as a full-time student
* Have taken the SAT or ACT test
Contact
INDIANA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
147 East Maryland Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 800-622-4779
URL: http://www.indianasheriffs.org/ns/scholarships.php
12. ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Deadline: August 1
The Islamic Scholarship Fund was established in an effort to encourage Muslim students to pursue careers in fields where Muslims are underrepresented. The non-profit organization is currently offering all Muslim students pursuing a college or graduate-level education in social sciences, liberal arts, humanities and law awards. If you are Muslim or active in the Muslim community, you may be eligible to receive one of the many national awards that are granted to deserving students. To be considered applicants must:
* Enrolled at an accredited university
* A junior, senior or graduate student
* Majoring in an accepted field
* Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0
* A citizen or legal US resident
Contact
ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
P.O. Box 802
Alamo, CA 94507
Phone: 650-995-6782
Email: contact@islamicscholarshipfund.org
13. JOHN W. GREEN SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: January 15
The John W. Green Scholarship is a merit-based award that is sponsored by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Students who are attending the sponsoring university who are granted the scholarship will have their in-state tuition and fees for enrollment into law degree programs covered for the year. To apply, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
* Must be studying law
* Must be enrolled at University of Tennessee
Contact
JOHN W. GREEN SCHOLARSHIP
College of Law
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
1505 West Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865 974-3131
Email: finaid@utk.edu
14. JORDEN W. NICKOLS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Deadline: May 1
If you are a resident of Blackford County, the Blackford County Community Foundation sponsors the Jorden. W. Nickols Memorial Scholarship, which caters to applicants who were involved in sports in high school. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in education, science, or criminal justice, and attend school within Blackford County. All applicants will receive awards ranging between $500 and $5000 if they meet the following requirements:
* Must be a Blackford County resident
* Must be attending an undergraduate degree program full-time
* Must be majoring in an accepted field
* Must be attending school within the county
Contact
JORDEN W. NICKOLS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Blackford County Community Foundation
121 North High Street
P.O. Box 327
Hartford City, IN 47348
Phone: 765 348-3411
Email: foundation@blackfordcounty.org
15. KEITH WEBB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: March 1
The Keith Webb Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by Western Illinois University and available to students attending the university who are majoring in pre-law or a related field. The one-time award is issued on an annual basis to multiple students in values ranging between $500 and $1000. To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
* Be a pre-law student
* Attend Western Illinois University full-time
* Maintain a good standing academically
Contact
Keith Webb Memorial Scholarship
Director of Pre-Law Honors Minor Program
Illinois Centennial Honors College
Western Illinois University
One University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309 298-1808
16. MADELINE B. MCCRUM SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: January 15
The Madeline B. MCCrum Scholarship is available to residents of West Virginia who are pursuing a college degree with a major in law. This college specific competitive scholarship is renewable for students who qualify and provides students with $1000 to apply towards education-related expenses. To be considered for this opportunity, you must:
* Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
* Be a resident of West Virginia attending West Virginia University College of Law
* Have a score of 20 on the composite ACT
* Be a full-time student
Contact
Madeline B. McCrum Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 3041
Charleston, WV 25331
Phone: (304) 346-3620
URL: http://tgkvf.org/
17. MAKIA AND ANN MALO SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Deadline: February 25
The Makia and Ann Malo Scholarship Fund was created to help empower residents of Hawaii to pursue a career in law and to encourage more individuals with Hawaiian ancestry to enter the field. Sponsored by the Hawaii Community Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to between 1 and 5 Hawaiian applicants on an annual basis. The awards range between $500 and $5000, and can be used to cover both tuition and boarding costs to attend graduate school in Hawaii with a major in law. To be eligible all applicants must:
* Be a graduate-level student
* Attend a school in Hawaii
* Major in law
* Preference given to students who are of Hawaiian ancestry
Contact
MAKIA AND ANN MALO SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Hawaii Community Foundation
827 Fort Street Mall
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808 537-6333
Email: scholarships@hcf-hawaii.org
18. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Deadline: June 1
This competitive award is presented to deserving students in memory of the late iconic civil rights figure Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to commemorate his compassion and understanding in the face of hatred. To receive this award, nominees must be minorities who have made pursuing a degree or training in criminal justice their mission. All nominees must be nominated by an active American Correctional Association member and must be planning on attending a 4-year program in the upcoming year. Eligibility requirements are as follows:
* Must be nominated by a member of ACA
* Must be attending a 4-year college by the time the award is disbursed
* Must be studying criminal justice
* Must be a college undergraduate or graduate student
* Must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher
Contact
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Award Committee
206 N. Washington Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
19. MASTER CORPORAL RONALD G. WILLIAMS, JR. SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: May 31
The Ronald G. Williams Foundation was established to preserve the memory of Ronnie Williams, a Delaware State Police Master Corporal who was dedicated to the field of law enforcement. Each year, the foundation accepts applications to award full-time students pursuing a Criminal Justice degree a one-time $1000 scholarship. To receive this scholarship, applicants must:
* Be a high school senior from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey
* Earn a 2.5 GPA or higher
* Major in Criminal Justice at an accredited college or university
* Be a full-time student
Contact
MASTER CORPORAL RONALD G. WILLIAMS, JR. SCHOLARSHIP
The Ronald G. Williams, Jr. Foundation
P. O. Box 5811
Wilmington, DE 19808
Phone: (302) 893-0177
URL: www.thergwfoundation.org
20. NATIONAL TECHNICAL INVESTIGATORS’ ASSOCIATION CAPTAIN JAMES J. REGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: March 31
The NATIA was established in 1974 and has become an important association assisting law enforcement with technical support. Members who are part of the NATIA include officers and military personnel who want to further their skills and knowledge. In an effort to help train future achievers, the association offers two merit-based $500 scholarships to high school seniors or undergraduate students with leadership ability. To qualify applicants must:
* Be in 12th grade or an accredited college program
* Show academic achievement
* Be pursuing a career in law enforcement
* Have a history of involvement in extracurricular activities
Contact
NATIONAL TECHNICAL INVESTIGATORS’ ASSOCIATION CAPTAIN JAMES J. REGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
National Law Enforcement Scholarships and Awards
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079
Phone: 972 580-2433
Email: exploring@lflmail.org
21. NSA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline: November 30
The NSA Scholarship Program is a government scholarship that is designed to help graduating high school seniors cover the cost of education when majoring in computer science. The National Security Association is constantly looking for new recruits who are skilled and can contribute to the nation’s security. To qualify for this program you must:
* Be a high school student graduating and planning to attend a college
* Be pursuing computer science degree
* Attend college full-time
* Work for the NSA for 12 weeks during the summer
* Earn a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
* Be a US Citizen
* Earn a minimum SAT score of 1600
Contact
NSA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
National Security Agency
9800 Savage Rd, Suite 6779
Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755
Attention: MB3, Stokes Program
Phone: 410-854-4725
22. OUT TO PROTECT SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: November 22
Out To Protect is a non-profit organization that is operated by of law enforcement professionals who want to see diversity in the ranks of law enforcement. The organization has developed the Out To Protect Scholarship to assist gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender students who are positive role models and pursuing a career in law enforcement. To be eligible for this $1000 scholarship award you must:
* Identify as gay, bi-sexual, transgender, or a straight ally
* Be seen as a role model to peers
* Show that you are able to graduate for law enforcement training
Contact
Out to Protect
Phone: 707-728-5428
URL: http://www.outtoprotect.org/
23. PRE-SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: July 31
The Pre-Service Scholarship is sponsored by the Wyoming Peace Officers Association and caters to pre-service students who have or on track to complete a peace officer basic course by June 30 of the year they are applying. All pre-service students must be attending the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy to be considered for the one-time $1000 award. To be eligible, all applicants must:
* Be studying in an area of law enforcement
* Be on track to complete pre-service basic coursework at the WLEA
* Be a resident of Wyoming
Contact
PRE-SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
Betty Haukap- Executive Director
Wyoming Peace Officers Association
1710 Pacific Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307 777-7718
24. SHERYL A. HORAK LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: March 31
The Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based award that is granted to high school seniors or college students who are pursuing a career in law enforcement. The committee reviewing applications will grant the one-time $1000 award to students based on academic merit, leadership, and their personal statement. All students must meet the following criteria to apply:
* Be a high school senior or older
* Have a good academic record
* Participate in extra curricular activities
* Be pursuing a degree in law enforcement
Contact
SHERYL A. HORAK LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPLORER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
National Law Enforcement Scholarships and Awards
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079
25. WIFLE SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: May 1
The Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation has a goal to achieve gender equality in the field, and offers qualified women scholarships to pursue careers within federal agencies. Students who can show academic potential may be eligible to receive renewable scholarships ranging in value between $2500 and $15,000. To qualify applicants must:
* Be a full-time student at a 4-year college or community college with intent to transfer
* Have completed 1 year of college work
* Be majoring in Criminal Justice or a related discipline
* Have a 3.0 GPA or higher
* Show a commitment to the community
* Be a US Citizen
Contact
WIFLE SCHOLARSHIP
Attention: Scholarship Coordinator
1600 Wilson Boulevard,
Suite 801
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 301-805-2180
Email: WIFLE@comcast.net
The cost of education may be high, but the knowledge and skills you earn in the field of criminal justice are priceless. To enter the field, virtually all candidates need some type of certificate or degree from a post-secondary institution. If you cannot pay for your education out of pocket, be resourceful and apply for free money that you have earned from your dedication and commitment in school.
