The Out To Protect Scholarship Program is the only national scholarship program directly supporting "out" LGBT law enforcement students who are currently enrolled in a basic police academy, law enforcement training program, or corrections program.

We offer a Law Enforcement Scholarship for individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or a straight ally and who are pursuing a career in law enforcement by putting themselves through a basic training program. Our goal is to support individuals who are positive role models in law enforcement and who are "out" to their peers. We believe that by exposing law enforcement personnel to positive role models that the age-old attitudes and stereotypes about GLBT personnel working in law enforcement can change. We also recognize the courage required to "come out" and that required to be "out" on the job as a law enforcement professional.

The scholarship amount and number of awards is based on the number of donations we receive. Out To Protect is a non-profit organization operated by a group of dedicated law enforcement professionals who believe in the importance and value of diversity in the ranks of law enforcement. We receive donations mostly from working law enforcement officers and law enforcement professional associations. Our goal is to offer awards in June and December of each year. For more information about the scholarships available, please review the Scholarhip Application page.

The following is a list of our scholarship requirements. Applicants must demonstrate that they have met each requirement in order to be considered. This is done through the application and verification process. You have nothing to lose by submitting an application, so we encourage you to give it your best effort.

* Identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or a straight ally and be "out" to your family, friends, and peers at the academy or law enforcement agency.
* Be a recognized role model by your peers and supervisors.
* Demonstrate use of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as a guide for decision making.
* Demonstrate being able to graduate from your law enforcement training program.

You will demonstrate how you have met the criteria in writing using the Scholarship Application form or by submitting an essay via email. You don't have to have graduated from a training program at the time of application, but you do have to provide evidence of being able to do so (i.e., be a student in good standing). We will complete the verification process based on the references you provide on the Scholarship Application form.

The Board of Directors will review all applications and make awards to the most qualified. Please note that relatives, employers, or anyone with a conflict of interest with any member of our board is not eligible to receive a scholarship.

We are not accepting applications for a scholarship to be awarded this June. Applications can be submitted online and are due by May 6, 2011. www.outtoprotect.org