How do I get Law Enforcement Scholarships?

There are four steps required to get law enforcement scholarships: find a list of all scholarships, review the application requirements, complete the application process, and enter your submission on time. Law enforcement scholarships are used to cover tuition fees, books, equipment, and sometimes include the accommodation expenses associated with completing post-secondary training program in law enforcement. Law enforcement programs provide the training necessary to become a police officer, corrections officer, or security guard.

All scholarships can be classified into three groups: need-based, merit based, and memorial. The qualification and application process for each of these types of scholarships is quite different. All scholarships are designed to help students complete post-secondary education and to remove the financial burden required to achieve that goal.

A need-based scholarship was created to ensure that students without sufficient financial resources were able to complete education in law enforcement. These scholarships tend to be the most generous, with funding provided to cover both tuition and a portion of residence fees. Information on these types of law enforcement scholarships and the application requirements are available from the student aid office.

Merit-based scholarships are granted based on specific academic achievement, extra curricular, or leadership skills. A recommendation from a teacher or community leader is often required to qualify for this type of scholarship. Memorial scholarships are arranged in honor of a student or law enforcement professional who has passed away. These types of law enforcement scholarships are both funded and presented by the family.

Every scholarship has an application package that lists the total amount of the scholarship, the number of scholarships available each year, deadline dates, and application requirements. Review the details carefully to determine if you qualify. Integrity is very important in law enforcement, and all scholarship programs have a method of verifying the information that you provide on the application form. Resist the temptation to exaggerate your need or achievements, as this will backfire.

Once you have found scholarships that you are eligible for, take time and complete the application with care. Most scholarship applications require an essay, personal interview, or presentation to assist the committee in their decision making process. Make sure to have any written submission checked for grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting it to the review committee.

All scholarship applications have a specific due date. Do not miss the deadline and assume that you can provide an explanation. Take the time to prepare your submission and send it in early. The committee is trying to providing funding to support your education — show that you are organized, mature, and focused by meeting the date requirements.