2026 MSPOA Merit Based Scholarship Online Submission Form |
The Montana Sheriff’s and Peace Officer Association announces the availability of two $1500.00 scholarships to be awarded for the fall semester of 2026 to a:
-Graduating high school senior who is seeking a career in local law enforcement OR a current college student who is pursuing a career in local law enforcement
AND
-Whose parent is a current MSPOA member in good standing AND is employed by a Sheriff’s Office in the state of Montana.
-Whose parent is a current MSPOA member in good standing AND is employed by a Sheriff’s Office in the state of Montana.
Recipients will be selected on the required criteria above as well as on the basis of need, academic ability, and career goals.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
1. Parent is a current MSPOA member in good standing AND is employed by a Sheriff’s Office in the state of Montana.
2. High school graduate or successful GED completion.
3. Must be able to meet basic peace officer eligibility requirements as established by Montana statute and the Montana Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (MCA 7-32-303) (23.13.2 – POST Certification).
4. Must have a high school grade point average of at least 2.5 and preferably plans to be enrolled as a full-time student in a Montana based college or university that offers a minimum AA degree in the Criminal Justice Field. OR must have a current college/university grade point average of at least 2.5 and be pursuing a degree in the Criminal Justice Field.
5. High School students applying for the fall scholarship must submit proof on enrollment intentions in a university or college. College Students must submit proof of enrollment at his/her current university or college.
6. When applying for a scholarship, the following documents are required:
2. High school graduate or successful GED completion.
3. Must be able to meet basic peace officer eligibility requirements as established by Montana statute and the Montana Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (MCA 7-32-303) (23.13.2 – POST Certification).
4. Must have a high school grade point average of at least 2.5 and preferably plans to be enrolled as a full-time student in a Montana based college or university that offers a minimum AA degree in the Criminal Justice Field. OR must have a current college/university grade point average of at least 2.5 and be pursuing a degree in the Criminal Justice Field.
5. High School students applying for the fall scholarship must submit proof on enrollment intentions in a university or college. College Students must submit proof of enrollment at his/her current university or college.
6. When applying for a scholarship, the following documents are required:
-Letter requesting consideration as an applicant.
-Current High School transcript OR Current College/University Transcript.
-Personal resume including references.
-Outline of career goals.
-Recent Photograph.
-Statement of how you are currently financing your college education.
-Letter from high school or college advisor verifying your academic abilities and attesting to the fact you are enrolled in or have applied for a criminal justice degree program.
The Scholarship award winner(s) check for $1500.00 will be issued, in the applicant’s name, and forwarded to the college/university in which he/she is enrolled.
Deadline: Applications must be received by MSPOA no later than 5:00 pm on April 15, 2026.