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Criminal Justice Scholarships

If you want to be the next Johnnie Cochran, J. Edgar Hoover or Inspector Gadget, you’re going to need an education. (Gadget didn’t mention college, but anyone with secret leg springs must have had some training.)

Those seeking a degree in law will obviously need several years of schooling. For those more interested in the police force, requirements may vary. Some departments will only require a high school degree; others make an undergraduate education a must. In both cases, a postsecondary education is recommended. If you want to keep your options open or hope to move up in the ranks, chances are, additional schooling will be a factor.

As you probably already know, college can be quite costly. Even those who receive federal grants may be in need of further financial assistance. Before giving up and settling for a quick fix in the form of student loans, students should apply for financial aid in the form of criminal justice scholarships. Numerous schools and outside providers offer criminal justice scholarships especially created for students who need help paying for their education.

At Scholarships.com, students can access information about more than 2.7 million scholarships and grants. By conducting a free scholarships search, they can find criminal justice scholarships as well as other scholarship awards they will be eligible to receive based on different criteria. Financial aid is available...you just have to make the first move.

Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: 5/31/2021
Amount: $2,500
The National Technical Investigator’s Association Captain James J. Reagan Memorial Scholarship awards two merit-based scholarships annually. Applicants must be law enforcement Explorers who are high school seniors or attending an accredited college program. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy Scholarship

Application Deadline: 4/3/2021
Amount: Varies
The Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy (CPFTA) awards a two-year scholarship for cadets of the four-year program (two years in high school and two in college). Eligible applicants must: apply during their high school sophomore year; have a 2.3 GPA; good attendance (80% and above); complete an online application; complete a Program Consent Form; possess a valid state ID or driver’s [...] More

Chief Gary R. Cline Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: 3/31/2021
Amount: $1,500
The Chief Gary R. Cline Memorial Scholarship is in honor of late Chief Gary R. Cline, who served the Merchantville Police Department. The course of study must be related to law enforcement. Must be a registered member of the graduating high school class of application year and must be eligible to receive his/her High school diploma prior to September 1. Must be a registered student in any [...] More

COAG Scholarship

Application Deadline: 3/13/2021
Amount: $1,000
Any Georgia high school senior (or a GED equivalency) who is a United States citizen graduating by the spring of the current academic year or any Georgia student currently enrolled in a school of accredited higher education located in Georgia is eligible to apply for a COAG scholarship. Applicants must present a letter of acceptance or enrollment from a school of accredited higher education [...] More

Don Schmidt Scholarship

Application Deadline: 5/8/2021
Amount: $1,000
Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Foundation annually awards scholarships to students majoring in recreation, parks and leisure studies throughout Ohio. The scholarships are broken into three categories; the Don Schmidt Scholarship for students majoring in parks/law enforcement. The scholarships is evaluated based on three criteria: (1) Resume (2) Essay (3) Professional References (regarding [...] More

George A. Strait Minority Scholarship

Application Deadline: 4/1/2021
Amount: Varies
George A. Strait Minority Scholarships are awarded annually to college graduates with meaningful law library experience who are members of a minority group as defined by current U.S. government guidelines, are degree candidates in an accredited library or law school, and who intend to have a career in law librarianship. Applicants must show evidence of financial need. To apply for the George A. [...] More

ISF National Scholarships

Application Deadline: 3/21/2021
Amount: $10,000
The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity founded in 2009 whose mission is to address the under-representation of American Muslims in the fields and occupations that influence public opinion and make public policy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are Muslim or an active member of the Muslim community, enrolled at an accredited university by [...] More

Lincoln Legal Professionals Association Scholarship

Application Deadline: 3/14/2021
Amount: $1,500
The Lincoln Legal Professionals Association members share a common interest in promoting continuing professionalism in the legal field. The Association is offering a scholarship to a Nebraska high school or college student who wishes to further his or her education in the legal support field at an institution of higher education and who carries a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Upon proof of enrollment, the [...] More

Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund

Application Deadline: 3/1/2021
Amount: $2,000
The Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from public high schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state (and a US citizen). Application forms are only available through these high schools and candidates for the scholarship are nominated by their school each year. Scholarships are renewable for four years of college in the state of Washington. [...] More

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: 1/30/2021
Amount: $10,000
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship provides an opportunity for students to advance their education in anti-fraud career paths. Applicants must be enrolled 9 semester hours (or equivalent) per term if undergraduate or 6 semester hours (or equivalent) per term if graduate level. Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited, four-year college or university with enrollment throughout [...] More

Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: 3/31/2021
Amount: $1,000
The Sheryl A. Horak Memorial Endowment was instituted to provide scholarship opportunities to law enforcement Explorers who demonstrate superior potential as career law enforcement executives. Any law enforcement explorer who is at least in the 12th grade may apply. Candidates will be evaluated according to their academic record, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and personal [...] More

Vermont Police Association Scholarships

Application Deadline: 2/12/2021
Amount: Varies
Ther Vermont Police Association created this scholarship for Vermont students seeking a degree in law enforcement. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell Grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans), as well as demonstrate financial aid. Recipients are notified by May 1. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

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