Student Scholarship Information
Welcome Applicants & Families
The Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation (ISPHF) is proud to support the educational and professional journeys of our ISP families and future law enforcement leaders. This guide outlines our scholarship tiers, eligibility requirements, and important application guidelines to help you prepare your packet.
Key Program Dates & Deadlines
Inaugural January 2027 Term Launch Deadlines:
Application Window: October 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
Review Period:
December 2026
Award Announcements: Late December 2026 for the January 2027 term start
Standard Annual Deadlines Going Forward:
Application Window Opens: February 1
Submission Deadline: June 1
This is a firm deadline. Late or incomplete packets will not be reviewed.
Review Period: June – July
Award Announcements: August
Overview of Scholarship Tiers
Tier 1: Gold Star Memorial Scholarship
Who is Eligible:
Children or legal dependents of Illinois State Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Eligible School Levels:
Grade school (elementary), high school, undergraduate, master's degree, or vocational/trade school programs in any field of study.
Award Amount:
Up to $2,500 per year for grade school and high school students, and up to $10,000 per year for undergraduate, master's, or vocational/trade school programs, based on verified actual cost of attendance. Eligible expenses may include tuition, housing, books, fees, and other educational expenses. Awards are subject to fund availability and board approval.
Key Details:
Eligible for annual renewal year over year throughout your educational path, up to a $75,000 individual lifetime maximum. No essay is required for Tier 1 applicants.
Tier 2: General Legacy Scholarship
Who is Eligible:
Children or legal dependents of active-duty or retired Illinois State Police personnel.
Eligible School Levels:
Undergraduate, master's degree, or vocational/trade school programs in any field of study.
Award Amount:
$2,500 one-time award. Five awards are available annually, subject to fund availability.
Key Details:
This is a strict one-time, non-renewable award. A 500-word essay is required.
Tier 3: Law Enforcement Career Scholarship
Who is Eligible:
Students pursuing a dedicated path toward public safety.
Eligible School Levels / Focus:
Undergraduate degree, master's degree, or vocational/trade certificate specifically focused on law enforcement, criminal justice, police science, or public safety.
Award Amount:
$1,000 one-time award. Three awards are available annually, subject to fund availability.
Key Details:
This is a strict one-time, non-renewable award. A 500-word essay is required.
General Eligibility Rules & Requirements
1. Definition of Legal Dependent
A biological child, legally adopted child, stepchild, or court-ordered legal ward claimed on the officer's federal tax return or meeting standard IRS dependent guidelines.
2. Streamlined Verification
To protect family privacy, we do not require birth certificates, adoption papers, or tax forms. Instead, officer employment and dependent status are verified directly and securely through official Illinois State Police records using the officer's badge and employee identification number provided on your application.
3. GPA Requirements
Applicants enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or master's degree programs must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. This is verified through official transcripts. Incoming college freshmen must submit their final high school transcript. Grade school students are completely exempt from submitting grades or transcripts.
4. Lifetime Payout Cap
Cumulative lifetime distributions to any single individual across all tiers cannot exceed $75,000.
5. Direct Disbursement
Approved scholarship funds are remitted directly to the school's financial aid or bursar's office to cover tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses.
Mandatory Checklist for Applicants:
Before submitting your packet by the applicable deadline of November 30, 2026, for the January 2027 term or June 1 annually thereafter, make sure you have included the following:
Completed Application Form
Parts I through VI of the application form must be completed, signed, and dated, including officer badge and ID details for internal verification.
Official Transcript / Report Card
Must demonstrate a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Required for all school levels, including grade school and high school. Incoming college freshmen must submit their final high school transcript.
Proof of Enrollment
Include an acceptance letter, enrollment agreement, or class schedule for the upcoming term.
Cost of Attendance Verification – Tier 1 Only
Include an official fee schedule, housing breakdown, or cost statement from your school detailing tuition, fees, books, and housing. This information is used to calculate your award up to $2,500 for grade school/high school or $10,000 for higher education/trade programs.
Financial Aid Filings – Higher Education / Trade Only
Include FAFSA submission confirmation or your Student Aid Report.
Public Benefit Proof – Tier 1 Gold Star Only
Include proof of application for federal PSOEA and state ISAC survivor grant programs.
Essay – Tiers 2 & 3 Only
Submit a typed, double-spaced essay of approximately 500 words describing how your ISP family connection or commitment to law enforcement has shaped your goals. Tier 1 applicants are exempt from the essay requirement.
Questions?
Please contact the ISPHF Scholarship Review Committee through our main office.