Each year, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) invites eligible students to apply for a scholarship awarded by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in public safety and criminal justice and reflects FCSO’s ongoing commitment to education, leadership, and community engagement.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a full-time or part-time student majoring or minoring in criminal justice or a related field
- Maintain permanent residency, and if 18 years of age or older, the applicant must be a registered voter in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, the Town of Herndon, or the Town of Vienna.
Scholarships are typically awarded in the amount of $1,000 for full-time students and $500 for part-time students.
Interview and Recommendation Process
As part of the application process, Sheriff Stacey Kincaid personally interviews each applicant. Following these interviews, Sheriff Kincaid prepares a letter of recommendation to accompany the student’s application materials submitted to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute.
Important Deadlines
- April 3: Deadline for students to contact the Sheriff’s Office to express interest and schedule an interview
- May 1: Deadline for completed applications to be submitted online to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute
Students interested in applying should email Lia Greenwood at Lia.Greenwood@fairfaxcounty.gov to arrange an appointment with Sheriff Kincaid.
Application Essay
The application checklist includes a required essay. Applicants may select any topic they wish, including personal experiences, academic interests, and career goals. This essay provides an opportunity for both the Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute to gain a deeper understanding of each applicant’s background, motivation, and commitment to the field of criminal justice.
Additional information and application materials are available at our website and VSI's website.