2026 Scholarship Opportunity
Each year at the National Summer Conference, the NBSTC awards a cash scholarship to a student entering an undergraduate program. To apply, upload your essay in this form box. All submissions are due by March 30, 2026.
Essay Instructions (up to two pages): In one essay, introduce yourself, state your current school, and share your intended major. Then respond to the following topic:
“Describe a community challenge you have experienced firsthand. What did it teach you about leadership, responsibility, or service, and how has that shaped your future goals?”
Professional Development
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC): While their primary focus is training federal officers, they also offer some resources that are accessible to local and state law enforcement. Some of these resources may include certifications.
National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C): NW3C provides training on investigating cyber and financial crimes. Some of their courses offer certifications upon completion.
Office of Justice Programs' National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS): This U.S. government service provides access to a wide variety of resources, some of which are training programs that may include certifications.
Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP): Funded by FEMA, the CDP provides training in emergency response to state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency responders. Certain courses may include certification.
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): COPS offers various resources for law enforcement, including some free training opportunities. Some of these might offer certifications.
Cybercrime Training from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS): The NICCS offers several free online cybersecurity courses that might be relevant for law enforcement professionals.
PoliceOne Academy: This site offers over 400 courses on various subjects including specialized training and legal education. They also offer a series of courses that could help you build up your resume.
Law Enforcement Learning: This online platform provides a marketplace of courses from various law enforcement organizations and trainers. You can find courses in a range of specialized areas, as well as resume-building and career development resources.
LinkedIn Learning: This is not law enforcement-specific, but it offers a variety of courses that could help with skills like leadership, communication, and project management. There are also courses on resume writing and career development.
"Diversity in knowledge, like diversity in our ranks, is our strength. For every member remember, your education is the beacon lighting the path to better policing and community understanding."
National Black State Police Coalition
Tuition Discounts & Scholarships for First Responders, Police, Firefighters, EMS & Military
Northwestern College: All current active and retired first responder personnel including police, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians enrolling in a degree or certificate program are eligible for a 15% First Responders tuition discount. They also offer grants to dependents of police and fire.
Webster University: Any currently qualified First Responder (law enforcement, fire, EMTs) are eligible for the Webster University First Responder Scholarship. The First Responder tuition rate is their normal tuition rate, but students are eligible to receive a First Responder Scholarship which reduces your tuition to equal that of our active duty military students
Iona College: they offer a 30% tuition discount over the course of degree pursuit depending on program length for all entering students who are active first responder personnel and enroll either in a master’s degree or certificate program in criminal justice or a certificate program in forensic criminology.
University of Arkansas- Grantham: Their Heroes Program offers reduced tuition, with all textbook, software and technology fees waived. Assistance with financial aid is also available for those who qualify. Credit for prior training and an unconventional curriculum to allow you to study on your schedule.
Regent University: first responders can avail an exclusive 25% tuition discount for an undergraduate or graduate degree. Those eligible include: law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and rescue volunteers.
Liberty University: Offers the Towns/Kopis Emergency Response Tuition Discount, a public service discount for all undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and Willmington School of the Bible emergency response students. This tuition discount entitles emergency response students to 25% off tuition. Liberty defines Emergency Response Personnel as students currently (or within the last five years) employed, or volunteering, as law enforcement, emergency services, fire safety and/or rescue work.
National University: offers a unique scholarship for law enforcement employees in which the employee receives a guaranteed 25 percent off tuition for approved coursework.
Wayland Baptist University: Active law enforcement, corrections officers, and their families qualify for $1,000 or $500 each term, depending on the program. Credit for work experience, academy completion, and military service is awarded. Previous college credit accepted.
Capitol Tech University: offers a $5,000 scholarship to active duty first responders or to children of courageous responders that have given their life in the line of duty, 18-26 years of age.These funds may be used toward any full-time undergraduate degree on campus at the university and the award is renewable up to a total of $20,000 over four years, contingent upon good academic standing.
Kaplan University: has partnered with IAFF to offer Fire Science and Emergency Management Degrees at a discounted rate: Tuition reduction Equivalent to 43% off, a $210 credit hour rate extended on AAS in Fire Science, BS in Fire Science, and BS in Fire and Emergency Management programs. Their Learning Recognition Course (LRC 100) is also offered at no cost, equaling a $1,500 value.
*Remember to confirm the details directly with the institutions, as tuition discount policies can change, and their application might depend on specific circumstances. Always ensure that any program you're considering is accredited and will meet your career development goals.