Commander Newell S. Rand Jr. Scholarship Program
Offered by Park Law Enforcement Association
About this scholarship
The Park Law Enforcement Association created the Commander Newell S. Rand Jr. Scholarship to support students preparing for careers in park operations. Up to five awards of no more than $1,000 may be made each year when PLEA funds are available. Eligible students can pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in conservation law enforcement, criminal justice or police science, natural resource management, park management or administration, or another accredited program that shows a clear career path into park operations. Applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school, college, or university, hold at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA, and plan to enroll full time. The direct application is a downloadable Word document. A complete packet includes three recommendation letters, with at least one from a counselor, instructor, principal, or college adviser; a one-page essay explaining why the scholarship is desired; and a list and summary of school and community service activities that demonstrate leadership and character. The official program page states that applications and all supporting documents must be submitted and postmarked by June 1 each year. Recipients must maintain a 2.8 GPA and full-time enrollment, and PLEA sends the funds directly to the school rather than to the student.
Eligibility
- Be a graduate of an accredited high school, college, or university
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
- Enroll full time at the institution to be attended
- Pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree connected to a career in park operations
- Submit three recommendation letters, including one from an educator, counselor, principal, or college adviser
- Submit a one-page essay explaining why the scholarship is desired
- Submit a summary of school and community service activities demonstrating leadership and character
- Ensure the application and all supporting documents are submitted and postmarked by June 1, 2027