Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Sheriffs' Institute
Overview
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) offers scholarships to help Virginia residents pursue studies in criminal justice. Awards are limited to applicants who live in counties or cities where the local sheriff participated in the VSI scholarship fundraising effort (authorized a direct-mail special appeal). Scholarships apply only to students enrolled at Virginia colleges or universities for the 2026–27 academic year.
Important dates
- Application posted on the VSI website by January 31, 2026.
- Completed online application and all required materials must be submitted by May 1, 2026 (the deadline will be strictly enforced).
- Certificates of award will be mailed to the participating sheriffs’ offices by the end of May 2026.
Who is eligible
- Residency and sheriff participation: Applicants must be permanent residents of a Virginia county or city whose sheriff is a VSI member and has authorized the fundraising appeal.
- Voter/ID requirement: Applicants 18 or older must be registered Virginia voters and upload a copy of their voter registration card. Applicants under 18 must submit a government-issued photo ID that shows their home address to verify residency.
- Enrollment and major: Only students majoring in a criminal justice program are eligible. Students pursuing law degrees or pre-law/law majors are not eligible.
- Institution: Only students attending Virginia colleges or universities for the 2026–27 academic year will be considered.
Scholarship types and award rules
- Two categories of awards will be given: one for full-time students and one for part-time students.
- All awards within each category will be the same dollar amount.
- Payments will be made payable to the college or university listed on the application after the institution/major is verified. A college/university student ID will be required to release scholarship funds.
Application process and requirements
- Applications must be completed online via the VSI website and must include an electronic signature; incomplete or unsigned online submissions will not be considered.
- All required supporting documents must be uploaded by the May 1, 2026 deadline.
Notification and payments
- Award certificates will be mailed to the participating sheriffs’ offices by the end of May 2026.
- After VSI verifies the student’s chosen institution and major, scholarship checks will be issued to the designated college or university.
- Applicants who are not selected will receive a rejection letter mailed directly from the VSI office.
Required documents (application checklist)
- A current letter of recommendation from the sheriff of the applicant’s place of residence and voting (must be authored by the sheriff; letters from deputies or other staff are not acceptable). Past or outdated recommendation letters will not be accepted.
- Completed online application with electronic signature.
- Major declared in the criminal justice field (not law/pre-law).
- Confirmation of attendance at a Virginia college or university for 2026–27.
- Essay included with the application.
- For incoming freshmen: high school transcripts and proof of acceptance to the college/university.
- For currently enrolled college students: college transcripts that indicate major (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
- For applicants 18 and older: copy of voter registration card. For applicants under 18: copy of government-issued photo ID showing home address.
Questions about the application or required documentation should be directed to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute via the contact information on their website.