2023 Scholarship Winners:
Director's Scholarship: Rosella Stike, Anderson University
Professional Service Award: Dan Kenneally, American Military University
Spirit Award: Ananias Mayes, Angelo State University
Student Leadership Award: Chris Lastovicka, University at Albany
Student Service Award: Jayme Luzzi, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Student Research Grant: Samuel Goldenstein, The Citadel
Congratulations to all our 2023 Scholarship Winners!
Scholarships, Awards, and Grants
We are proud to offer a brand new Scholarships, Awards, and Grants Program. Our Society is committed to providing access and inclusion to educational opportunities through these exciting programs.
Order of the Sword & Shield
The Academic and Professional Honor Society
for all Homeland Security Disciplines
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Scholarships, Awards, and Grants (SAG) Sponsored by Order of the Sword & Shield:
- Director’s Scholarship - ($500 plus commemorative golden medallion plus certificate of achievement)
- Student Leadership Award - ($250 plus certificate of achievement)
- Student Service Award -($250 plus certificate of achievement)
- Professional Service Award -($250 plus certificate of achievement)
- Perseverance Award -($250 plus certificate of achievement)
- Spirit Award - ($100 plus certificate of achievement) ***Multiple Awards Granted
- Research Grant - ($100) ***Multiple Awards Granted
Guidelines for Scholarships, Awards, and Grants (SAG):
- All student applicants MUST be an inducted member of OSS at the time of application submission.
- All applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree program at the time of award. Proof may be required.
- All applicants must submit an official SAG Application. We will not accept mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications (all applications must come through the electronic SAG Application Portal).
- Applications not meeting any requirement (including deadline for submission) will be disqualified.
- Students may apply for as many SAGs as they qualify for, however, a student can only win ONE SAG per academic year.
- Students must submit a separate SAG Application for EACH award sought.
- A panel of OSS volunteers will be the deciding body for all SAGs. Their decision is final and non-reviewable.
- All successful applicants will be notified of their winning application in April/May of each year.
- All applicants agree to the terms and conditions provided on the SAG Application.
- All SAG awards will be distributed by the National Office at a time/method to be announced.
- All SAG monies MUST be applied to academic expenses.
- SAG applications will be accepted September 15th through March 15th of each year ONLY.
Requirements for each Scholarship, Award, and Grant are as follows:
Director’s Scholarship
The Director’s Scholarship, sponsored by Founding Executive National Director Jeffrey P. Grossmann, was created in 2020. The recipient of this award demonstrates superior achievement both in and out of the classroom.
This scholarship award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $500.00, a golden honor medallion, and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of superior achievement both in and out of the classroom AND why you deserve this award. You should list each academic and extracurricular achievement, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Unofficial transcript or grade report and other evidence of superior achievement both in and out of the classroom.
- Letter of Recommendation from a professor or academic advisor.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of superior achievement both in and out of the classroom AND why you deserve this award. You should list each academic and extracurricular achievement, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
Student Leadership Award
The Student Leadership Award honors the member who best exemplifies the core values of the Society and who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership to others through character, collaboration, and citizenship in their curricular and co-curricular endeavors.
This scholarship award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $250.00 and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of extraordinary leadership to others AND why you deserve this award. You should detail each example of extraordinary leadership, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Evidence of each example of extraordinary leadership mentioned (news articles, pictures, records, testimonials, plans, screen shots, or other evidence).
- Unofficial transcript or grade report.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of extraordinary leadership to others AND why you deserve this award. You should detail each example of extraordinary leadership, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
Student Service Award
The Student Service Award recognizes a current student member for outstanding contributions to their school or surrounding community through exceptional volunteer service.
This scholarship award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $250.00 and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of outstanding contributions to your school or surrounding community through exceptional volunteer service AND why you deserve this award. You should detail each outstanding contribution, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Evidence of each outstanding contribution mentioned (news articles, pictures, records, testimonials, plans, screen shots, or other evidence).
- Unofficial transcript or grade report.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of outstanding contributions to your school or surrounding community through exceptional volunteer service AND why you deserve this award. You should detail each outstanding contribution, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
Professional Service Award
The Professional Service Award honors a current student member for their outstanding contributions to the community or nation as a police officer, first responder, military service member or veteran, or homeland security professional (public or private sector).
This scholarship award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $250.00 and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of outstanding contributions to the community or nation. You should detail each outstanding contribution, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Evidence of each outstanding contribution mentioned (news articles, pictures, records, testimonials, plans, screen shots, or other evidence) and your status as a police officer, first responder, military service member or veteran, or other homeland security professional (public or private sector).
- Unofficial transcript or grade report.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of outstanding contributions to the community or nation. You should detail each outstanding contribution, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
Perseverance Award
The Perseverance Award honors a current student member for outstanding academic achievement while overcoming significant hardship, adversity, obstacles, or discouragement.
This scholarship award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $250.00 and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of outstanding academic achievement while overcoming significant challenges, hardship, obstacles, or discouragement. You should detail your academic achievement and significant obstacles/challenges faced.
- Most recent Transcript and other evidence of superior achievement.
- Unofficial transcript or grade report.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of outstanding academic achievement while overcoming significant challenges, hardship, obstacles, or discouragement. You should detail your academic achievement and significant obstacles/challenges faced.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
Spirit Award
The Spirit Award recognizes a current student member who goes above and beyond to build school/chapter pride, student engagement, and school/chapter spirit.
This scholarship award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $100.00 and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of going above and beyond to build school/chapter pride, student engagement, and school/chapter spirit AND why you deserve this award. You should detail each example, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Evidence of each example mentioned (news articles, pictures, records, testimonials, plans, screen shots, or other evidence).
- Unofficial transcript or grade report.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you meet the requirement of going above and beyond to build school/chapter pride, student engagement, and school/chapter spirit AND why you deserve this award. You should detail each example, significant obstacles/challenges faced, and future goals.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
Research Grant
Research Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to support research, scholarship, and creative activities on any subject matter within the homeland security academic disciplines.
This grant award is open to any inducted member who is currently enrolled in an academic institution.
The recipient will receive $100.00 and a certificate of achievement.
Applicants must:
- Meet all general scholarship guidelines and requirements.
- Submit a completed SAG Electronic Application which includes the following:
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you plan to use the award to support research, scholarship, or creative activities on any subject matter within the many homeland security academic disciplines.
- Evidence of your prior work/research/interest in this area.
- Unofficial transcript or grade report.
- Statement of Accomplishment which details how you plan to use the award to support research, scholarship, or creative activities on any subject matter within the many homeland security academic disciplines.
- Attest that all scholarship monies will be used for academic purposes.
____________________________________________
Scholarships, Awards, and Grants Sponsored by Outside Sources:
Please note that Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society is not affiliated with and does not endorse the programs listed below. We provide this listing of scholarships, awards, and grants for informational purposes only and are not involved in any of the processes listed below. Please contact each organization for further information regarding their specific program.
AFCEA Cyber Studies & Intelligence Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
Sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, the AFCEA Cyber Studies & Intelligence Scholarships are awarded for $2,250 to $5,000 annually to five students pursuing a major in cyber security, homeland security, intelligence studies, computer science, or electronic engineering. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled at a four-year accredited college, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and wish to work in America’s intelligence or homeland security enterprise.
Contact:
AFCEA Cyber Studies & Intelligence Scholarships
4400 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 631-6149
Scholarshipsinfo@afcea.org
Army Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
In honor of U.S. Bronze Star recipient who died during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the Army Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship is granted for $1,000 annually through the Lint Center for National Security Studies Inc. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college studying homeland security, counterintelligence, military science, alliance building, or a related field. Writing a 600-800 word essay outlining a critical national security issue is mandatory.
Contact:
Army Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship
737 Flowing Meadow Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
(202) 236-7304
scholarship@lintcenter.org
Colonel Sully H. De Fontaine Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
The Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) created the Colonel Sully H. De Fontaine Scholarship to provide $1,200 to U.S. citizens in their sophomore or junior year who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in homeland security to eventually seek employment within the intelligence community. Applications must include a current resume, academic transcripts, one recommendation letter, a recent photograph, and a brief cover letter highlighting career goals in protecting national security.
Contact:
Colonel Sully H. De Fontaine Scholarship
7700 Leesburg Pike Suite 324
Falls Church, VA 22043
(703) 790-0320
scholarships@afio.com
DHS Undergraduate Scholarships
Deadline: January 5th
Annually, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers $5,000 scholarships to qualifying undergraduates earning bachelor’s degrees in homeland security-related fields. Eligible recipients must have U.S. citizenship, be at least sophomores, hold security clearance, attend an accredited four-year college, and submit two reference letters. In exchange, scholarship winners must sign a one-year service contract for working at a DHS-approved facility after graduation. There’s also the 10-week National HS-STEM Summer Internship available.
Contact:
DHS Undergraduate Scholarships
650 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 282-8000
dhsed@orau.org
Future Security Professionals of America Scholarship
Deadline: May 30th
Each year, American Best Locksmith offers the Future Security Professionals of America Scholarship to award $500 to graduating high school seniors nationwide who are admitted to any U.S. accredited institution to study criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, or another related major. Eligible candidates must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5, exhibit financial need, strive to become a security professional, and write a 300-word career goals statement.
Contact:
Future Security Professionals of America Scholarship
2727 Philmont Avenue
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
(215) 800-0101
Horizons Women in Defense Scholarships
Deadline: July 15th
Ranging from $3,000 to $16,000, the Horizons Women in Defense (WID) Scholarships are presented annually for female U.S. citizens who are obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in homeland security, cyber security, international relations, government, political science, law, etc. Qualified women must be at least juniors, attend an accredited university full or part-time, exhibit financial need, possess a minimum GPA of 3.25, and be committed to a career in national security or defense.
Contact:
Horizons Women in Defense Scholarships
2111 Wilson Blvd. Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-1820
wid@ndia.org
IAEM Undergraduate Student Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) provides an Undergraduate Student Scholarship annually for $1,000 to outstanding students pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. institution in emergency management, disaster preparedness, homeland security, or a closely related field. Applications must include official sealed transcripts, at least three references, proof of enrollment, and two well-written essay question responses on their future career aspirations.
Contact:
IAEM Undergraduate Student Scholarship
201 Park Washington Court
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 538-3542
shiley@iaem.com
Irlet Anderson Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 15th
Administered by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Irlet Anderson Scholarship Award is granted to African American high school seniors who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, homeland security, or forensics. Candidates must be accepted at an accredited college, be U.S. citizens, need financial help, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or above, and submit two recommendations.
Contact:
Irlet Anderson Scholarship Award
4609 Pinecrest Office Park Drive
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 658-1529
sjohnson@noblenatl.org
Jim and Anna Hyonjoo Lint Scholarship
Deadline: July 31st
As the most lucrative homeland security scholarships granted by the Lint Center, the Jim and Anna Hyonjoo Lint Scholarship provides $1,500 annually to a deserving undergraduate or graduate student majoring in homeland security, counterintelligence, or international affairs. Candidates write an 800-word essay explaining their thoughts on national security, which will be judged on scholarly rigor, leadership potential, creativity, and innovation.
Contact:
Jim and Anna Hyonjoo Lint Scholarship
737 Flowing Meadow Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
(202) 236-7304
scholarship@lintcenter.org
Major James W. Dennehy Esq. Scholarship
Deadline: July 31st
Also created by the Lint Center for National Security Studies, the Major James W. Dennehy Esq. Scholarship gives $500 annually in memory of a commissioned officer of the United States Army Reserves who died in 2011 at age 47. Eligible recipients are emerging leaders majoring in homeland security, counterintelligence, military studies, or international affairs full-time at an accredited U.S. higher learning institution. Funds can cover tuition and fees for classes only.
Contact:
Major James W. Dennehy Esq. Scholarship
737 Flowing Meadow Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
(202) 236-7304
scholarship@lintcenter.org
Life’s Choices Foundation Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
Administered by the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), the Life’s Choices Foundation offers two graduate homeland security scholarships annually for $3,500 apiece. Eligible candidates should be U.S. citizens who are currently serving as personnel in government agencies compromising the intelligence community and entering their first or second year of graduate school. Applications are evaluated based on merit, character, academic commitment, national security interests, and career ambition.
Contact:
Life’s Choices Foundation Graduate Scholarship
7700 Leesburg Pike Suite 324
Falls Church, VA 22043
(703) 790-0320
scholarships@afio.com
LivSecure Student Scholarships
Deadline: July 1st
LivSecure Student Scholarships are available for $1,000 to cover college tuition for students pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, homeland security, public safety, or another related field. Qualified recipients must be graduating high school seniors or college freshmen, be in good standing, and not be related to LivSecure staff. Applicants must write a 500-1,000 word essay describing how their future law enforcement career will make our country’s neighborhoods safer.
Contact:
LivSecure Student Scholarships
3803 West Chester Pike Suite 100A
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(844) 349-7233
scholarships@livsecure.com
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award
Deadline: March 25th
Annually, the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award is gifted for $2,000 by the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) to undergraduate minority students earning a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, or another related major. For selection, candidates must attend an accredited senior U.S. college, carry a minimum collegiate GPA of 3.0, be actively involved in community service, and exhibit financial need on tax forms.
Contact:
Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award
1801 Fayetteville Street Suite 106
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 683-1801
Office@NABCJ.org
WIFLE Annual Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 1st
Since 2009, the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Inc. has hosted an Annual Scholarship Program to bestow $1,500 upon student members earning accredited four-year bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, homeland security, public safety, or other related social sciences. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores, attend U.S. colleges, obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0, show active involvement in volunteer work, demonstrate career potential, and be sponsored by police officials.
Contact:
WIFLE Annual Scholarship Program
2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 102
Arlington, VA 22201
(301) 805-2180
wifle@comcast.net
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
Through the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA), the War Veterans Scholarships are granted annually for $2,000 apiece to active duty and honorably discharged U.S. military veterans who are studying in C41-related fields, including cyber security, homeland security, network security, and strategic intelligence. Qualified applicants must be attending classes full or part-time at an accredited four-year U.S. institution, be at least sophomores, and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. With the online application, military personnel should submit two letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, and verification of service and/or discharge.
Contact:
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
4400 Fair Lakes Court
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 336-4583
Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award
Deadline: July 1st
In honor of his active participation in the development and funding of programs, the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) offers the Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award for $1,000 each year to outstanding students who are pursuing an advanced degree in homeland security with a focus in intelligence or international relations. Eligible candidates must be AFIO members or children of serving Intelligence personnel, be attending an accredited American graduate school, have U.S. citizenship, and wish to serve in the Intelligence community. Selection will be based on academic merit, moral character, relevance of studies to national security interests, and career ambitions.
Contact:
Al Ponte Graduate Scholarship Award
7700 Leesburg Pike Suite 324
Falls Church, VA 22043
(703) 790-0320
CIA Graduate Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 15th
As the principal intelligence-gathering agency in the U.S. federal government, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) hosts an annual Graduate Scholarship Program to grant up to $18,000 to graduate school students who agree to work at an Agency facility in the Washington, DC metropolitan area for at least 60 to 90 days before graduation. Eligible candidates must have U.S. citizenship, be over 18 years old, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, have full-time status, and exhibit financial need. Priority is given to minority and disabled students, but any individuals interested in working as intelligence professionals should apply.
Contact:
CIA Graduate Scholarship Program
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20505
(703) 482-0623
CyberCorps Scholarship for Service
Deadline: Varies
In collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management offers the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service to provide $20,000 for undergrad, $25,000 for master’s-level, and $30,000 for doctoral-level students each year. Eligible applicants must be full-time college students within two years of graduation, be pursuing a homeland security degree focused on cyber security or information assurance, have U.S. citizenship, be able to obtain a security clearance, and meet all federal employment criteria. Recipients will complete an internship in the Washington DC metropolitan area to strengthen their skills in protecting the nation’s critical information infrastructure.
Contact:
CyberCorps Scholarship for Service
1900 East Street NW
Washington, DC 20415
(202) 606-1800
David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
Deadline: February 4th
Sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), the David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships are granted annually for up to $20,000 apiece to exemplary students pursuing a degree focused on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Eligible undergraduates must have U.S. citizenship, be attending an accredited American post-secondary institution, and agree to work in a federal government position for the Departments of Defense or Homeland Security. Applicants must be applying in a study abroad experience in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East.
Contact:
David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
P.O. Box 20010
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 696-1991
Peter Jasin Endowed Scholarships
Deadline: July 1st
Within the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), the Peter Jasin Endowed Scholarships are awarded each year for $4,000 to six college students who are further developing their career in counterterrorism, homeland security, intelligence, counterintelligence, national security, and other intelligence-related disciplines. Qualified candidates must be enrolled full-time as undergraduate or graduate students, attend accredited U.S. institutions, have taken courses related to national security studies, and have the overall goal of serving in the U.S. Intelligence Community. Applications must include a cover letter, current resume, copy of academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, and recent photograph.
Contact:
Peter Jasin Endowed Scholarships
7700 Leesburg Pike Suite 324
Falls Church, VA 22043
(703) 790-0320
William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
In honor of the leader of the U.S. Defense Department’s Army Polygraph School who trained polygraphers for the FBI, Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies, the William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $5,000 through the American Polygraph Association (APA). Eligible applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university, plan to attend an APA-accredited basic polygraph examiner training course, and be pursuing a career related to national security or law enforcement. Candidates should submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a 1,000-word essay describing how interrogation and interviewing tactics will improve their career.
Contact:
William J. Yankee Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 8037
Chattanooga, TN 37414
(800) 272-8037
Women in Defense Horizons Scholarships
Deadline: July 15th
Since 1990, the Women in Defense (WID) National Security Organization has been providing the Horizons Scholarships for $3,000 to $18,000 apiece to encourage outstanding women who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees related to cyber security, government relations, international relations, homeland security, political science, and national security. Qualified female applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution, have obtained at least junior-level status, exhibit financial need, carry a minimum GPA of 3.25, have U.S. citizenship, be WID members, and demonstrate a clear interest in a career in national security or defense.
Contact:
Women in Defense Horizons Scholarships
2111 Wilson Blvd. Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-1820
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