Top 7 Criminal Justice Scholarships For Minorities 2023

Earning a degree in criminal justice opens doors to diverse and rewarding career paths in law enforcement, public safety, and various law-related fields. Whether you’re aiming to become a police officer, probation officer, detective, judge, or lawyer, a solid educational foundation is essential. However, pursuing higher education often comes with a financial burden. Thankfully, numerous institutions, organizations, and individuals are committed to supporting aspiring criminal justice professionals, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into 7 Criminal Justice Scholarships for Minorities in 2023. These scholarships aim to empower minority students pursuing careers in criminal justice by providing financial assistance, reducing the barriers to education, and fostering diversity within the field. If you’re a minority student with dreams of making a difference in the world of law and justice, read on to discover opportunities that can help you achieve your goals.

1. ‘Be Bold’ $25k No Essay Scholarship:

Eligibility:  Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students of all grade levels, with no GPA requirement.

Award: $25,061 to 1 winner.

Application Deadline: October 1, 2023.

Are you a bold and determined student ready to make the climb toward your educational goals? The ‘Be Bold’ $25k No Essay Scholarship from Bold.org could be your ticket to financial assistance. This scholarship is open to students at any education level, regardless of your field of study or state of residence. The key criteria? Be earnest, determined, and proactive. Bold.org rewards those who act boldly and apply early, so seize the day, showcase your aspirations, and increase your chances of winning this generous scholarship.

Bold.org is committed to supporting students on their educational journey, and this scholarship is a testament to their belief in the power of determination. By creating a bold profile, you demonstrate your eagerness to achieve your dreams, and that could make you the ideal candidate for this award. Don’t miss the chance to secure $25,061 toward your education—apply today and let your boldness shine!

2. Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

Grade Level: College Sophomore & Graduate Student

Eligibility: Recipients of this prestigious scholarship can earn up to $10,000 to support their postsecondary education expenses. Additionally, they receive a full year of ACFE membership, a valuable resource for anyone pursuing a career in fraud examination or a related anti-fraud profession.

Deadline: February 5, 2024.

Are you a dedicated student pursuing a degree in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, or finance? The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program, offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), is tailor-made for you. This scholarship honors the memory of Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie, former ACFE members who were committed to fighting fraud and white-collar crime.

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program has a meaningful history dating back to 1992. It was created to empower students excelling in fraud-related studies. In 1998, the program was renamed to honor the memory of Larry Jennings, CFE, and Tracy Ritchie, CFE, who tragically lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 14, 1997. These individuals exemplified the core values of the ACFE, dedicating themselves to detecting, investigating, and deterring fraud and white-collar crime.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must submit a complete application, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. It’s recommended that at least one recommendation letter be from a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

The ACFE Foundation is committed to non-discrimination and does not differentiate based on factors such as race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation in its programs or activities. Scholarships are awarded based on a completed application, fraud-related interests, activities, goals, desired career path, overall academic achievement, and recommendation forms.

If you’re passionate about combating fraud and pursuing a career in this field, the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program could be your key to academic and professional success.

3. North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association has established the Criminal Justice Scholarship Program to support students who are either dependents of law enforcement officials or are dedicated to pursuing a career in law enforcement themselves. This scholarship is a testament to their commitment to fostering the next generation of law enforcement professionals. If you’re a resident of North Carolina with a passion for maintaining public safety, you can apply for this scholarship.

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association serves as the statewide organization representing the interests of North Carolina’s 100 Sheriffs. Through this association, Sheriffs collaborate to enhance the professional law enforcement services they offer to the people of North Carolina.

Grade Level: College Students

Academic Interest: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice

State: North Carolina

Eligibility: Applicants must be the relative of a Public Safety Officer and meet the following criterias:

– Enrolled in an undergraduate degree-granting criminal justice program.

– Minimum enrollment of 12 credit hours.

– Study at one of the institutions affiliated with The University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.

– Submission of a recommendation from their local sheriff.

– Completion and submission of the scholarship application.

If you’re a North Carolinian with a deep interest in law enforcement and are determined to make a difference in public safety, this scholarship opportunity aligns with your aspirations. It not only supports your academic journey but also recognizes your commitment to the important field of criminal justice and law enforcement. Don’t miss this chance to further your education and contribute to the well-being of your community.

4. Charles Richard Drew Memorial Scholarship

Grade Level: Graduate Students

Eligibility: Minimum 3.1 GPA (Men)

The Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship, initiated by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., emphasizes the significance of scholarship. It is one of the Fraternity’s cardinal principles alongside Manhood, Perseverance, and Uplift. This scholarship aims to:

– Increase awareness of scholarship importance, particularly among undergraduates.

– Promote high academic achievement at International, District, and Chapter levels.

– Encourage chapters and districts to support students with scholarships.

– Foster research and creativity across all backgrounds.

The scholarship commission actively reviews projects, distributes materials, and offers financial grants and awards to advance these goals.

5. Continental Society, Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship

Grade Level: College Upperclassmen

Eligibility: Must be US Citizen of Native American ethnicity with minimum GPA of 3.0

The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars offers two annual scholarships: one worth $2,500 and the other $5,000. To be eligible, applicants must:

– Be enrolled tribal members.

– Aspire to work with a tribe or nation in Education or Social Service.

– Attend or be accepted into an accredited college or university, preferably in their Junior year.

– Maintain a 3.0 average and carry at least 10 quarter hours or 8 semester hours.

The Continental Society, Daughters of Indian Wars, comprises descendants of Native Americans and early immigrants involved in conflicts between 1607 and 1900. Applications must be submitted by June 15 each year.

6. WIFLE Scholarship Program

Grade Level: College & Graduate Students

Eligibility: US Citizen and minimum GPA 3.0

The WIFLE Scholarship Program aims to support aspiring individuals in the field of law enforcement and enhance the professional growth of those already engaged in Law Enforcement. The scholarship amount varies based on several factors, with WIFLE awarding $10,000 in scholarships in 2022. Scholarship Awards may be renewable with subsequent applications.

WIFLE scholarships are granted based on a student’s academic potential, achievements, and dedication to serving communities within the law enforcement sector. This scholarship is open to all eligible individuals who:

– Physically attend and are full-time students at an accredited four-year college or university, or are currently enrolled full-time in a fully accredited community college with the intention of transferring to a four-year degree program.

– Have completed at least one full academic year of college work at an accredited college or university or community college.

– Major in Criminal Justice or a related discipline leading to a four-year degree (graduate and postgraduate students are also eligible).

– Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average (GPA).

– Demonstrate a commitment to the community through a 500-word essay describing their involvement in a community project or, if applicable, their internship experience with a law enforcement agency.

– Provide a statement of support from a community leader, member, or police official.

– Submit a completed application with required information, a 500-word essay, transcripts, and a recommendation letter from a community leader or police official.

– Be a citizen of the United States.

The application period opens on February 15th each year and closes on May 1st.

7. Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship

Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students

Eligibility: US Citizens and minimum GPA 2.5

Academic Interest: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship is intended for students aspiring to pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, or other areas within the criminal justice field. This scholarship seeks to recognize individuals who share a passion for public service and demonstrate academic promise, leadership qualities, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must be current graduating seniors or graduates of public or private high schools in the greater San Francisco Bay Area (including various counties), or they must plan to enroll or already be enrolled as full-time students in a two- or four-year college, university, or police academy.

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation is committed to promoting innovative philanthropic solutions to address challenging issues, engaging donors to create a better region and world for everyone.

In conclusion, the pursuit of a criminal justice degree can open doors to impactful careers in law enforcement, public safety, and related fields. For minority students with a passion for justice, these top 7 criminal justice scholarships in 2023 offer not only financial support but also recognition of their commitment to making a difference in their communities. Whether you’re a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student, these scholarships provide opportunities to alleviate the financial burden of education and pave the way for a brighter future in the field of criminal justice. Don’t miss the chance to invest in your education and contribute to a safer, more just society by applying for these valuable scholarships.