Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program
Scholarship opportunities available for spouses of fallen law enforcement officers

When a police officer dies in the line of duty, surviving family members must adjust to life without their loved one. Many grieving spouses are left to care for children without sufficient financial resources fully prepared for their new and sudden role as head of household. In order to support their families, many surviving spouses need additional job skills and personalized attention along the way.

The National Fraternal Order of Police Foundation (F.O.P.), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, has created a scholarship program for the spouses of fallen law enforcement officers who seek to enter the workforce or enhance their current career situations. The Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program is a $3 million scholarship program in tribute to the courageous fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain peace and freedom. The Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program complements resources already available to spouses of fallen officers through the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education.

Through this career development scholarship program, the National F.O.P. Foundation, the Department of Labor, and a national network of over 1,900 local One-Stop Career Centers help spouses regain their footing, access new job opportunities and begin to rebuild their lives. This source of funding is available to help spouses enter the workforce as well as help spouses looking to upgrade their skills or explore new career opportunities. The scholarships for spouses will cover personalized career counseling—including the development of an individual employment plan—and education and training costs related to employment or career advancement. The funds can also be used for supportive services such as childcare and transportation to allow an eligible spouse to participate in the program.

Eligible recipients will be spouses of sworn law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty between January 1, 2001 and the present. The scholarships will allow spouses to pay for programs such as four-year university degree programs, community college certification courses, and customized on-the-job training programs.

Information related to the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program includes: