New State Scholarship Available for Security Sciences Institute and Law Enforcement Training Academy Students
Office of Communications and Marketing
Young Hall
820 Chestnut Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Lincoln University EMT students in hands-on training.
Do you work in Missouri public safety, or are you the dependent of someone who does? You may be eligible for special educational funding if you want to advance or start your public safety career.
Students pursuing their EMT certificate through the Security Sciences Institute and those enrolled in the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy now have access to significant financial support through a new state scholarship program.
Introducing the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Scholarship
The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Scholarship represents Missouri's commitment to supporting the next generation of public safety professionals. It covers tuition and fees for eligible public safety personnel and their dependents who enroll in eligible postsecondary education and training programs.
This scholarship was passed as part of Senate Bill 71 during the 2025 Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe on July 11, 2025.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
The application process is now open through the Student Portal, with two important deadlines to note:
2025-26 Academic Year: Applications are currently open with a deadline of November 5, 2025
2026-27 Academic Year: Applications will open later this month with a deadline of December 15, 2025
Please note that both applications will be open simultaneously for several weeks, so be sure to apply for the correct academic year.
Who Can Apply?
The program is designed to support both current public safety personnel seeking additional training and their dependents pursuing careers in public safety fields.
The scholarship helps cover tuition costs for Missouri public safety personnel with at least 6 years of service and the dependent children of public safety personnel with at least 10 years of service. Additionally, you must meet other eligibility requirements to qualify, including (but not limited to):
-
Be a Missouri resident and remain a resident for a minimum of 5 years once approved for the award
-
Have not already earned a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree
-
Be enrolled into an approved institution or training program to pursue a qualifying postsecondary degree or credential
What to Expect After Applying
MDHEWD is committed to processing applications as quickly as possible. Here's what you need to know about the timeline:
-
Certification for the 2025-26 academic year will occur outside of the FAMOUS system
-
Manual certification rosters for Fall 2025 will be sent to institutions in mid-December
-
Because the scholarship can convert to a loan for dependents of public safety personnel who do not reside in Missouri for five years after receiving the award, students must sign required disclosures and agreements before receiving funds
-
Institutions may not receive payments on behalf of eligible dependent students for Fall 2025 until late January or early February 2026
Additional Resources
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has created several helpful resources to guide you through the application process:
Informational Flyer – Quick overview of the scholarship program
Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to common questions about eligibility and application
These resources are available through MDHEWD's website and can help you determine your eligibility and navigate the application process.
Questions or Need Assistance?
If you have questions about the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Scholarship, contact MDHEWD at 800-473-6757, option 4, or reach out directly to:
Sarah Schedler, Financial Aid Specialist
Phone: 573-751-1766
Email: sarah.schedler@dhewd.mo.gov
Amy Haller, Senior Associate
Phone: 573-526-7958
Email: amy.haller@dhewd.mo.gov
Erik Anderson, Director
Phone: 573-751-2444
Email: erik.anderson@dhewd.mo.gov
Don't Wait – Apply Today!
This scholarship represents an incredible opportunity to pursue your public safety career goals with financial support from the state of Missouri. Whether you're working toward your EMT certificate or law enforcement training, this funding can help make your educational goals more affordable.
Visit the MDHEWD Student Portal today to begin your application and take the first step toward securing this valuable scholarship. With the November 5 deadline approaching for the current academic year, now is the time to act!
For more information about our Security Sciences Institute EMT certificate program and Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy, please contact:
Gary L. Hill, DSN#1 M.S.C.J., FBI NA#239
Chief of Police, Vice President Campus Culture
Email: HillG@LincolnU.edu
Phone: 573-681-5555