Stanislaus State announced the establishment of the First Responder Endowed Scholarship Fund made possible thanks to a generous $60,000 gift from the University Police Department that will support the establishment of an endowment as well as current use scholarships starting in the 2023-24 academic year.
“When I became chief in 2018, one of my goals was to continue providing scholarships to ensure that students have access to the best education,” said University Police Chief Clint Strode. “We want to help students prepare for a future career in law enforcement.”
The scholarship is intended for full-time undergraduate students who are majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in law enforcement.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must also demonstrate financial need and be eligible to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, students must be in good standing with the University.
“It's incredibly important that we attract the best people to law enforcement and there are no better people than our students here at Stanislaus State,” said Strode. “I really think it's important for us to provide these opportunities for future generations.”
Students who are introduced to the University Police Department, through this scholarship, can expect to have numerous opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a career in law enforcement.
“It is just for funding right now, but we would love to give our students a more interactive experience,” Strode said. “We can offer our student police academy, ride-alongs with our officers, and so much more!”
Funding for the scholarship was acquired through Stan State’s Parking Management Bureau. The funds were collected from Stan State assisting other campuses and local law enforcement agencies with processing parking citations.
“This is not using student dollars or campus funds,” Strode said. “We are providing these agencies with a service and in turn, we’re taking some of that funding and repurposing it for student scholarships.”
Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, the funds will be used to award one scholarship of up to $1,500 to a deserving student each year.
To apply for the First Responder Endowed Scholarship, students must complete the necessary application forms and submit them along with any required documents. Additional details on the application process are forthcoming.
“We encourage all eligible students to apply,” Strode said. “This is an exciting opportunity to fund their education and prepare them for a future career in law enforcement. We wish to support these students however we can.”
