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Due to the growing population of inmates locked within our country’s corrections facilities, there are a growing number of scholarships for corrections management available for courageous individuals seeking a career managing criminals while in detention. Though it’s unfortunate that an estimated 12 million people are admitted and released from jail in America each year, this means there’s a steady demand for qualified correctional officers. With financing from scholarships, students pursuing corrections management training can build superior public safety skills to work within local, state, and federal prison systems. Below we’ve highlighted 25 of the best scholarships available for individuals specializing their undergraduate or graduate criminal justice degree in the fast-paced field of corrections management.
1. Association of Black Correctional Workers Scholarships
Deadline: March 13th
Annually, the Association of Black Correctional Workers (ABCW) offers $500 scholarships to African American high school seniors with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 who plan to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution to receive a degree in corrections or criminal justice. Eligible applicants must submit one letter of recommendation, a current transcript, recent photograph, documentation of at least 40 hours of community service, and a 500-word essay describing their need for financial support to reach career goals in corrections.
Contact
Association of Black Correctional Workers Scholarships
427 North Central Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 985-1792
cabcw@abcwca.org
2. Ben S. Meeker Academic Scholarship
Deadline: September 1st
Within the Federal Probation and Pretrial Officers Association (FPPOA), the Ben S. Meeker Academic Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to college junior, senior, or graduate students who have a personal commitment to entering the criminal justice, corrections, probation, parole, or pretrial services field upon graduation. Qualified candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited university, exhibit professional maturity, supply two letters of recommendation, and participate in a personal interview.
Contact
Ben S. Meeker Academic Scholarship
1000 Southwest Third Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 326-8511
Scholarship Link
3. CMIT Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 1st
In partnership with Sam Houston State University, the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) offers full tuition scholarships to currently employed personnel in Texas’ juvenile and adult correctional facilities to pursue the university’s M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management degree program online. Eligible applicants must be accepted at SHSU, have at least five years of experience working in the corrections management field, exhibit financial need, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.3, and complete the degree in two years.
Contact
CMIT Scholarship Program
816 17th Street Suite A251
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-1675
djdretke@shsu.edu
4. Correctional Education Association Scholarship
Deadline: January 1st
Each year, the Correctional Education Association (CEA) offers at least one scholarship for $500 to members who are enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in corrections management or correctional education to specifically improve the delivery of educational services in prison systems. Applicants must provide their employment history, list involvement in CEA activities, create a detailed financial budgeting plan, and write a brief personal statement explaining their purposes in correctional education.
Contact
Correctional Education Association Scholarship
8182 Lark Brown Road Suite 202
Elkridge, MD 21075
(800) 783-1232
kwilson@ceanational.org
5. Correctional Peace Officers Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: April 17th
For up to $1,500 apiece, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation distributes student scholarships annually to the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of active members who are following in their footsteps by enrolling full-time in a criminal justice-related degree in preparation for entering the corrections profession. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, exhibit financial need, and plan to enroll in an accredited higher learning institution or career training college.
Contact
Correctional Peace Officers Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 348390
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 928-0061
mail@cpof.org
6. Dennis R. Martin Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
In memory of a long-standing board member for the Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association (MASCA) who made lasting improvements to the criminal justice system, the Dennis R. Martin Scholarships are awarded for $1,000 to two undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in corrections or criminal justice. To qualify, students must be enrolled in an accredited university in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia , Maryland, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania to pursue a career in juvenile detention.
Contact
Dennis R. Martin Scholarships
102 York Road Suite 202
Willow Grove, PA 19090
(215) 784-5406
Scholarship Link
7. Deputy Superintendent Charles J. Cullen Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Established by Roger Williams University in honor of an accomplished alumni member, the Deputy Superintendent Charles J. Cullen Memorial Scholarship is awarded for $1,250 each year to current undergraduate students working as correctional officers for the MA Department of Corrections of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Eligible recipients must be majoring in criminal justice, be planning a long-term career in corrections management, exhibit financial need, and maintain good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Contact
Deputy Superintendent Charles J. Cullen Memorial Scholarship
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
(401) 253-1040
finaid@rwu.edu
8. Dr. J. Lamar Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: September 1st
Through the Ohio Correction and Court Services Association (OCCSA), the Dr. J. Lamar Johnson Memorial Scholarship has been created to provide $500 annually in honor of a devoted psychologist who worked for the Dayton Correctional Institution and was Director of Psychology at the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Institution until his death in 1996. Interested students must be pursuing a degree in criminal justice from an accredited higher learning institution to work within the public sector of corrections.
Contact
Dr. J. Lamar Johnson Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 06365
Columbus, OH 43206
occsa1@gmail.com
9. Dr. Sam Torres Correctional Scholarships
Deadline: June 1st
For undergraduate students currently enrolled at California State University in Long Beach (CSULB), the Dr. Sam Torres Correctional Scholarships are available to provide $500 to cover tuition, academic fees, or textbooks in the criminology or criminal justice program. Eligible candidates must exhibit financial need, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.75, have U.S. citizenship, maintain full-time enrollment, and demonstrate a clear interest in pursuing a career in corrections at the county, state, or federal government level.
Contact
Dr. Sam Torres Correctional Scholarships
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-8965
Brenda.Vogel@csulb.edu
10. Frank C. Denzinger Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 10th
At Indiana University Southeast, the Frank C. Denzinger Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for civic-minded undergraduate students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice either full or part-time with a commitment to making our communities safer. Preference will be given to students who are have been employed full-time as law enforcement officers, corrections officers, or jail officers within Clark, Floyd, or Harrison counties of Indiana for at least two years.
Contact
Frank C. Denzinger Memorial Scholarship Fund
4201 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 941-2464
iusedev@ius.edu
Scholarship Link
11. Harjit Sanhu Criminal Justice Scholarship
Deadline: September 20th
Annually, the Oklahoma Correctional Association (OCA) offers the Harjit Sanhu Criminal Justice Scholarship for $500 to students pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree at an accredited university with a declared major in sociology, psychology, criminology, criminal justice, or law enforcement to pursue a career in corrections management. Applications must be accompanied by proof of enrollment, a certified academic transcript, one letter of support, and a brief 250-word biographical statement displaying applicants’ career goals.
Contact
Harjit Sanhu Criminal Justice Scholarship
P.O. Box 260
Lexington, OK 73051
(405) 527-5676 ext. 2102
jenny.dillon@doc.state.ok.us
12. James Boorman Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 27th
As part of the Wisconsin Correctional Association (WCA), the James Boorman Sr. Memorial Scholarship has been awarded for $500 each year since 1997 to an active member or a member’s dependent who is pursuing a technical, undergraduate, or graduate degree related to corrections management. Applicants must be enrolled in at least six credits per term, have U.S. citizenship, reside within Wisconsin, provide proof of college enrollment, be in good academic standing, and have a commitment to furthering their education in corrections.
Contact
James Boorman Sr. Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 8671
Madison, WI 53708
jbrace@morainepark.edu
13. Joseph L. Famularo Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: November 15th
At Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), the Joseph L. Famularo Endowed Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to junior-level undergraduate students who have completed the first two years for earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, corrections management, or police studies. For consideration, students must submit a completed application, three letters of recommendation, a copy of their FAFSA form, and a 1,000-word personal essay describing their future life goals within Kentucky’s criminal justice system.
Contact
Joseph L. Famularo Endowed Scholarship
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-8032
admissions@eku.edu
14. KCA Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 31st
Ranging in value from $500 to $1,000 annually, the Kansas Correctional Association (KCA) hosts a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors and full-time college students who are preparing for a career in corrections by pursuing a degree in corrections management, criminal justice, or related behavioral science fields. To apply, candidates must be Kansas residents, be enrolling at an accredited in-state university, exhibit financial need, and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
Contact
KCA Scholarship Program
1203 North Sunset Drive
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 829-3604
dshomebody@comcast.net
15. Lambda Alpha Epsilon Student Scholarships
Deadline: December 31st
In collaboration with the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA), the Lambda Alpha Epsilon fraternity offers student scholarships annually for members who are pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program in a relevant criminal justice field, including corrections management. Applicants must have completed at least 12 college credits, have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, be U.S. citizens, be actively involved in a LAE chapter, and submit a plan for accomplishing their goals in criminal justice.
Contact
Lambda Alpha Epsilon Student Scholarships
P.O. Box 601047
Sacramento, CA 95860
(916) 484-6553
acjalae@aol.com
16. Leonard Morgenbesser Educational Scholarship
Deadline: September 17th
In honor of a strong anti-gun violence advocate who spent three decades as a researcher for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Leonard Morgenbesser Educational Scholarship is awarded annually for $500 to students currently studying in a field related to law enforcement, community supervision, juvenile justice, or correctional services. Eligible New York State residents will be judged based on involvement in community service, academic record, financial need, and sincere career interests.
Contact
Leonard Morgenbesser Educational Scholarship
P.O. Box 43
Fort Ann, NY 12827
(518) 639-4486 ext. 3220
carrie.wright@doccs.ny.gov
Scholarship Link
17. Massachusetts DOC Academic Scholarship
Deadline: August 15th and December 1st
At Boston University’s Metropolitan College, the Massachusetts DOC Academic Scholarship is granted twice each year to cover 100% of tuition fees for current full-time employees of the Department of Corrections who wish to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree related to criminal justice. Qualified candidates must demonstrate leadership potential, enroll in at least 12 credits per semester, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, have U.S. citizenship, and submit a 500-word essay describing their motivation for further studies.
Contact
Massachusetts DOC Academic Scholarship
755 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-2980
epetrson@bu.edu
18. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Administered through the American Correctional Association (ACA), the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is designed to provide $2,000 to minority students who are working towards a college education or graduate training to pursue a career in criminal justice, corrections, and/or law enforcement. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited four-year college, exhibit financial need, submit an official transcript, and write a short 250-word essay explaining how they’ve tried to emulate the principles of Dr. King.
Contact
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
206 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 224-0000
execoffice@aca.org
19. MCAA Memorial College Scholarship
Deadline: March 29th
Each year, the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) hosts a Memorial College Scholarship program to provide $1,000 to college-level state residents who are pursuing an accredited degree in corrections management or a closely related criminal justice profession from a four-year Maryland institution. Along with seven copies of the completed application, students should submit three letters of recommendation from academic instructors, high school counselors, or MCAA member correctional facility administrators.
Contact
MCAA Memorial College Scholarship
100 North Court Street
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 386-2620
ghardinger@ccg.carr.org
20. National Sheriffs’ Association Scholarships
Deadline: March 14th
Within the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), full-tuition scholarships are provided annually to cover all educational expenses over two years for outstanding students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, corrections management, business, law enforcement, or psychology at Columbia Southern University or Waldorf College. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s or master’s degree, have NSA membership, be employed for a Sheriff’s office, and plan to pursue a career in any area of law enforcement.
Contact
National Sheriffs’ Association Scholarships
1450 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-5335
scrow@sheriffs.org
21. NCCA Scholarship Awards Program
Deadline: June 1st
The North Carolina Correctional Association (NCCA) offers an annual scholarship awards program based on merit to financially assist two qualified students who are preparing to enroll in an accredited higher education institution with a major related to correctional services. Eligible candidates must be active members, have received an official acceptance letter, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, be involved in their community, and submit a brief 250-word biographical sketch illustrating their future aspirations in North Carolina correctional facilities.
Contact
NCCA Scholarship Awards Program
P.O. Box 10404
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 838-3627
betty.brown@ncdps.gov
Scholarship Link
22. Ray Hobbs Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
Within the Arkansas Association of Correctional Employees Trust (AACET), the Ray Hobbs Scholarship Fund has been established to grant $1,000 awards to junior, senior, or graduate students who are majoring in a related corrections management degree at an accredited college or university within Arkansas. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a minimum of ten years of correctional work experience with ADC, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and submit a letter of candidacy attesting to their worthiness for a scholarship.
Contact
Ray Hobbs Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 1579
Cabot, AR 72023
(501) 412-2198
Kevin.Murphy@aacet.net
23. Susan C. Cranford Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
In honor of a former warden at the Gatesville Unit and the Director of the Community Justice Assistance Division, the Susan C. Cranford Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually through the Texas Corrections Association to give $500 to outstanding female college students pursuing a degree in criminal justice or another corrections-related field. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited college, exhibit financial need, show good academic ability with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and display a proven dedication to working in public safety.
Contact
Susan C. Cranford Memorial Scholarship
4600 Spicewood Springs Road Suite 103
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 346-5820
info@txcorrections.org
24. Susan M. Hunter Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Created by the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA) in memory of the former Chief of the Prisons Division at the National Institute of Corrections until her passing in 2004, the Susan M. Hunter Scholarship is granted annually for $1,500. Eligible candidates must be full-time employees at an ASCA-member corrections agency, plan to attend a two or four-year accredited college, have a minimum college GPA of 3.3, pursue a major in corrections or criminal justice, and write a 300-word essay about their goals as correctional administrators.
Contact
Susan M. Hunter Scholarship
1110 Opal Court Suite 5
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 791-2722
bbrothers@asca.net
25. VCA Scholarship Awards
Deadline: July 31st
Annually, the Virginia Correctional Association offers one $1,000 scholarship and three $500 scholarship awards to current members or member dependents who are pursuing a degree in corrections, criminal justice, or a closely related field. Qualified applicants must be graduating high school seniors, be enrolling full or part-time in an accredited Virginia institution, reside within the state, maintain good academic standing, and write a one-page essay describing their planned future contributions to the correctional field.
Contact
VCA Scholarship Awards
P.O. Box 13384
Richmond, VA 23225
Donna.Lawrence@vadoc.virginia.gov
Scholarship Link
Receiving an appropriate training in corrections management is essential to build the knowledge needed to keep order within jails, supervise inmates, inspect jail facilities carefully, search criminals for contraband, and safely handle any violent inmate conduct. Though on-the-job training is common, many employers are now preferring to hire correctional officers with college education, especially at the federal level. For the funding to give your corrections career a boost, consider applying to one or more of these great corrections management scholarships.
