Corrections Officer Scholarships
Careers No Longer Blue Collar
Over the last couple of decades the number of corrections facilities and inmates has increased exponentially according to many sources. Corrections officials from the ground up are no longer the images portrayed in movies. What was once considered a blue collar job is now moving up due to demands fueled by the criminal justice system. Personnel in corrections are now required to meet greater benchmarks in education.
If you're interested in corrections, at the technical level or management and administration you may likely begin with a solid curriculum in criminal justice before you decide to concentrate in a specialty, such as juvenile corrections or administration. You can also ride the educational wave all the way through a doctorate if you wish.
College Scholarships
Eastern Kentucky University College of Justice and Safety provides a solid program in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies. Graduate level students may be eligible for very nice assistantships that offer exposure to corrections operations and research in the field with a particular emphasis on the juvenile aspect. Annual stipends are around $10,000. Scholarships are also offered when funding is available.
The Association of State Correctional Administrators funds an annual scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students. The ASCA Susan M. Hunter Correctional Scholarship is designed as a twofold award. As an undergraduate scholarship it is designed for children of ASCA members who work as corrections officials and monies are not based on a college major. Graduate students applying for the scholarship, however, must be majoring in Corrections/Criminal Justice or a closely related field to be considered. Also, students who are chosen for the scholarships and who are enrolled in the EKU College of Justice and Safety (outlined above) will receive a matching scholarship from EKU. The ASCA is a professional organization that functions to promote best practices from the ground up. This includes funding research, implementing cutting edge methodologies, promoting open communication among officials at all levels, especially that which effects positive change; and public relations that modify and reform the vision of the corrections business.
Minnesota State University-Mankato offers students pursuing a Sociology/Corrections degree the Boyd Duncan, Gustav Petterson, T.R. Schaffler Scholarship. Students must be in the last two years of their undergraduate degree and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Scholarship awards are $500.
Arizona State University College of Justice and Criminal Studies offers the Norton-Stewart Scholarship for Correctional Officers to students pursuing a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
The Sam Sublett, Jr./Corrections Education Scholarship is administered by Western Illinois University. Qualified applicants are chosen based on both academics and personal character. Scholarship is $500.
The University of Houston Downtown administers the Robert Browne Scholarship for Criminal Justice. Eligible applicants must be intending to work in the Corrections field. Up to $1,000 awarded annually.
Professional Organization Scholarships
The very reputable John Jay College of Criminal Justice at City University of New York educates students from pre-law to criminal psychology and corrections. Two scholarships are specifically designed for students in Correctional Studies:
- The Albert Elias Memorial Scholarship is given annually to a student in the corrections major who has demonstrated outstanding academics as well as a serious commitment to succeeding in the field.
- The Brother Wagner Award is given to a senior correctional studies major who most exemplifies a commitment to juvenile corrections. Recipient will also be selected for academic performance.
The Arizona Justice Educator's Association funds their annual scholarship by the same name. Qualified applicants must be pursuing a Corrections Major or a closely related field. Other criteria include a GPA of at least 3.0 and attendance in a state college or university recognized by the association. Funding for the award varies.
