Scholarship Program

The Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs (WACOPS) is a 501c(6) non-profit organization and Washington's largest and most influential organization representing rank-and-file law enforcement professionals since 1962. Representing over 6,000 peace officers across Washington State, WACOPS is an active stakeholder in public safety policy. As a trade association, WACOPS is focused on law enforcement labor. That means we work directly with legislators and stakeholders on policy proposals that could impact officer's pension, collective bargaining rights, and safety.

CAN I APPLY?

The Washington Council of Police & Sheriffs Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to the children of current WACOPS members who are in good academic standing. Up to 20 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded. Scholarships may be used at any accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school upon proof of enrollment.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a child of, or under the legal care of, a current WACOPS member

• Be between the ages of 17–21

• Provide a high school graduation date or proof of a GED certificate

Applicants are not eligible if:

• They have previously received a WACOPS scholarship

• Their parent or guardian is not a current WACOPS member (i.e. parent's guild/association is not a member organization, parent works for a law enforcement agency outside Washington State or a federal law enforcement agency)

If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us.

APPLICATION PERIOD | March 1 - May 31, 2026

DECISION PROCESS 

All completed applications will be given to the WACOPS Scholarship Committee for review. The committee will be considering factors that include the student's academic performance, extracurricular activity involvement, work & volunteer experience, and future goals. Award notices will be sent out in June.

If selected, each winner will be asked to submit one high quality photo and one college acceptance letter. Please do not submit these with your scholarship application.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1. Completed Online Application & Essays

2. One letter of recommendation from a Teacher/Advisor/Coach/Employer

3. High school transcript and college transcript (if applicable)

Note: PDF files only - do not submit password protected files. Word documents not accepted.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact WACOPS at (360) 352-8224 or email Kelsey Jewell, Program Director, at kjewell@wacops.org