Scholarships for Minnesota Law Enforcement Students

The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) announced today the commencement of the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program for 2026.  The MSA Board of Directors has established a scholarship fund for the awarding of up to 18 $2,000 scholarships for this year.  These scholarships are due to the coordinated efforts of the 87 Sheriffs of the State of Minnesota. 

MSA gives special recognition to the financial needs of students attending the peace officer skills course or one of the two or four-year law enforcement degree colleges.  “The Board of Directors feels peace officers in our democratic society have complex duties to perform,” said Brian Johnson. MSA recognizes the importance of pre-entry training for people considering law enforcement as their career choice.  MSA acknowledges that some students need outside help in meeting the costs of such training, even though they excel academically.   

The Scholarship Committee, in making its selection of awards, intends to achieve representation from all geographical areas of the state.  Scholarship awards will be announced on the MSA web page and social media at the start of 2027. Application forms and a statement of procedures are available at the student’s local county sheriff’s office.  Scholarships are only available to students currently enrolled in one of the following three categories:

1. Mandated POST Skills Program
2. In their second year of a two-year law enforcement program.
3. In their third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal justice program.

To qualify, students must fall into the above three categories.  Students meeting these criteria are invited to obtain a scholarship application form from their local sheriff’s office or by clicking here.