Kansas Peace Officers Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Kansas Peace Officers Association

Description
**Overview**
The Kansas Peace Officers Association (KPOA) is a statewide professional organization founded in 1916 that promotes cooperation among peace officers and law enforcement agencies in Kansas. Its mission includes advocating for legislation that enhances public and officer safety, improving police services, and raising professional standards in law enforcement. The KPOA also supports education through a scholarship program for dependents of active members to help advance academic and career goals in Kansas institutions.

Key takeaways:
- KPOA founded in 1916 to support Kansas law enforcement and public safety.
- Focuses on legislative advocacy, professional development, and service improvement.
- Runs a scholarship program for dependents of active KPOA members.
- Scholarship aligns with KPOA’s mission to advance the law enforcement profession.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be high school seniors or current college students who are the child or IRS-defined dependent of an active KPOA member. Attendance must be at an accredited Kansas technical school, community college, or four‑year university. Applicants must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Key takeaways:
- Applicant must be a child or IRS-defined dependent of an active KPOA member.
- Must be a high school senior or college student.
- Must attend an accredited institution located in Kansas.
- Must register for 12+ credit hours per semester and have a 3.0+ GPA.

Application Requirements
**Documents and materials**
A completed, typed, and signed KPOA Scholarship Application is required (the form is designed to be completed online, then printed). Applicants must include official high school and college transcripts (if applicable), a one‑page typewritten statement of academic and life goals, a recent photograph, and a current-year letter of endorsement from a law enforcement officer who is not a parent or relative. The application packet must be complete for consideration.

Key takeaways:
- Submit the official typed and signed KPOA Scholarship Application.
- Include official transcripts and a one-page goals statement.
- Provide a recent photograph and a law enforcement endorsement letter (non-relative).
- Incomplete packets will not be considered.

Submission Instructions
**How and where to send**
Mail the completed application package with all required attachments to the KPOA Scholarship Committee at P.O. Box 2592, Wichita, KS 67201. The application form is intended to be filled out online and then printed for mailing. No specific deadline is listed in the materials provided here; applicants should verify current deadlines and any updates with KPOA before mailing.

Key takeaways:
- Mail the entire application packet to KPOA Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 2592, Wichita, KS 67201.
- Complete the online form, then print and sign it for submission.
- Confirm current deadlines and any changes directly with KPOA prior to mailing.

Selection Process
**Review and interview**
A KPOA scholarship committee reviews submitted applications and supporting documents to select awardees. The committee may request an oral interview of applicants as part of the evaluation process. Selection is based on the submitted materials and the committee’s assessment; applicants should ensure all required documents are included and that endorsement letters are current.

Key takeaways:
- A scholarship committee evaluates all complete application packets.
- Applicants may be asked to participate in an oral interview.
- Final selections are made at the committee’s discretion based on submitted materials.

Award Value and Payment Terms
**Amount and disbursement**
Each scholarship award is $1,000, paid in two equal installments of $500 for the first and second semesters. To receive the second-semester installment, recipients must provide an official transcript showing their first-semester GPA and proof of enrollment of at least 12 credit hours for the upcoming semester. Up to five $1,000 scholarships may be awarded each year; individual recipients may receive a maximum of two annual scholarships for a total award limit of $2,000.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarship total: $1,000, disbursed as two $500 payments.
- Second payment requires first-semester transcript and proof of 12+ credit enrollment.
- Maximum of five awards granted per calendar/fiscal year.
- Individual recipients may receive up to two scholarships (maximum $2,000).

History of the Award
**Context and purpose**
While specific founding details of the scholarship program are not provided here, the KPOA scholarship exists as an extension of the association’s long-standing mission to improve law enforcement standards and support families of active members. The scholarship advances educational opportunities for dependents of KPOA members who pursue postsecondary education within Kansas. Interested parties should contact KPOA for additional historical context or information about the program’s development over time.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarship supports dependents consistent with KPOA’s mission to strengthen law enforcement.
- Program promotes postsecondary education within Kansas institutions.
- For further historical details on the scholarship’s origins, contact KPOA directly.