C.O.P.S. Scholarship Program

About This Scholarship

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) has served the families of officers killed in the line of duty since 1984, and its scholarship program helps surviving children and spouses continue their education. Recipients can receive up to $2,000 per semester toward undergraduate, graduate, or accredited trade and vocational study, with a lifetime maximum of $16,000.

The program runs three cycles a year, keyed to when students actually enroll: a summer cycle that opens February 1 and closes April 1, a fall cycle from April 1 to June 1, and a winter/spring cycle from August 1 to October 1. The scholarship committee meets within two weeks of each deadline, and the organization aims to notify students and send funds to their schools within 45 days.

Eligibility is specific: applicants are surviving children or spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty who are not entitled to a tuition-free education through a state death benefit — though survivors who applied for a state benefit and were denied become eligible. Actual award amounts vary with available funds and applicant volume.

Eligibility

• Surviving child or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty
• Enrolled or enrolling in undergraduate, graduate, or accredited trade/vocational study
• Not entitled to a tuition-free education as a state death benefit (eligible if a state benefit application was denied)
• Complete application with all required documentation for the relevant semester cycle

How To Apply

• Complete the online scholarship application linked from concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/scholarship during the cycle matching your semester
• Submit all required documentation with the application by the cycle deadline (April 1 for summer, June 1 for fall, October 1 for winter/spring)
• Expect a decision and disbursement to your school within about 45 days of the deadline

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Frequently Asked Questions