Talk about top secret! You can scour the FBI website applying due diligence — keystroke every combination of dependent scholarships possible into the agency’s website – but you won’t find a link to get you information about FBI dependent scholarships. Perhaps the Federal Bureau of Investigation doesn’t have a scholarship program. Maybe they do, but don’t want to broadcast it. Does that mean you should give up? Not on your life. Beyond checking with the agency, you can pursue the following scholarship opportunities.
The Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Inc., formed in 1937, preserves the FBI’s heritage of friendship, loyalty and goodwill, and that good will could benefit the dependent of an FBI employee if she lands a scholarship through this fraternal organization. Scholarships are earmarked only for the children of agents, so if that describes you, and you can prove financial need, apply for an L. Russell and Jean Mills Hashman Scholarship through the Society. If finances aren’t a factor but your grades are good, inquire into a Lawrence G. Lawler or George A. Zeiss Memorial Scholarship for students with strong leadership skills.
Kill two birds with one stone if you intend to enter the FBI to keep the family tradition going. The FBI Honors Internship Program, open to undergraduate and graduate students, is a hands-on, 10-week summer program. You don’t have to be the dependant of an FBI employee, but mention your connection in your application letter and you could go to the top of the candidate list. No freshmen or sophomores are accepted, but if you’re a junior, senior or grad student with a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, you’ll receive over $7,000 in compensation.
Ask someone in your university’s office of financial assistance whether or not your school awards an FBI Scholarship to students majoring in Criminal Justice. If this is your career path, don’t hesitate to use your status as an FBI dependant to get you closer to the award. For example, the University of Boise’s Criminal Justice program administers U.S. Department of Criminal Justice scholarships for students majoring in some aspect of Criminal Justice. Your college may, too. The deadline for application is March to apply and you’ll be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA to stay eligible.
Dependents of FBI personnel don’t have to wait for college if they want to learn about the agency. The FBI National Academy Associates, Inc. (a nonprofit organization that is not a part of the FBI) sponsors a Youth Leadership Program for kids ages 14 to 16 every summer and an FBI parent wishing to get their child into this great learning opportunity must contact any of the 48 chapters of the FBINAA to ask about admission to next summer’s program. All expenses are paid, so you don’t have to spend a cent to give your child this opportunity. Apply by March. Winners are announced on April 15th. Get in with this group and your child may also be eligible for a $1,000 college tuition scholarship in the future.
