The Virginia Sheriffs' Institute scholarship program provides an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an education in criminal justice. The scholarship is limited to students attending Virginia colleges and universities. The annual application period generally runs from January through April.

Scholarships are available only to students in jurisdictions where sheriffs participate in fundraising efforts, which includes Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid.

Scholarship applicants must include a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from their county sheriff. "I spoke with each applicant to learn more about their activities and long-term goals," said Kincaid. "It’s wonderful to meet young people who are academically accomplished, participate in extra-curricular activities, work part-time, and give back in many ways to their communities."

Meet our 2018 scholarship winners

Sesaly Barden, a graduate of South Lakes High School, is a rising junior at Mary Baldwin University. Sesaly is a member of the Virginia Institute for Leadership, an all-female ROTC program, where she joined the Drill Team, the Conduct Committee and the Color Guard. Through this program she will graduate with a minor in Leadership along with her major in Criminal Justice. Sesaly says her studies give her "the opportunity to be a part of my community and lead change in an era where personal values are changing."

Jessica Miller, a graduate of Mount Vernon High School, is a rising junior at Old Dominion University. Her major is Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. Jessica wants to pursue a career in law enforcement, following in the footsteps of her father, a retired police officer. She has successfully balanced academics with her athletic pursuits and service to the community. In a letter to Sheriff Kincaid, she wrote, "I aspire to make a difference in the world of law enforcement and set examples in our community just as you did."

Maximillian Kavaljian, a graduate of Fairfax High School, is a senior at Christopher Newport University with one semester left to graduate. His major is Sociology with a concentration in Criminology. He plans to pursue a career in government security. Max interned for a year with the Newport News Sheriff's Office, assisting in a program that helps inmates with substance use disorders. He played football for CNU and holds a leadership role in a campus organization. In addition to working during summer breaks, he has "traveled around the world many times and experienced diverse cultures."

Jack Katz is a rising senior at George Mason University, majoring in Criminology. He is a member of the George Mason Cycling Club and plays Alto Sax in the Green Machine pep band. This year Jack interned with the Sheriff's Office, shadowing deputies and learning about agency operations in the Adult Detention Center, Courthouse and the Merrifield Crisis Response Center. Jack wants to give back to the community and said, "I cannot think of a better way to do so than going into law enforcement."