The application window for our 2025 scholarship program is available on our website until Monday, Mar 31, 2025.
Key Dates and Application Process
The scholarship application period for 2025 is from Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, till Monday, Mar. 31, 2025. All applications must be completed and submitted online through our website, tseaonline.org, ensuring a streamlined and secure process for our members and applicants. NOTE: No paper applications will be accepted.
TSEA Scholarship Awards
*UPDATE: Good news! Your TSEA Board of Directors has voted to increase the number of general scholarships from 21 to 24 (2-14-2025) and to increase general scholarship amounts from $750 to $1000 each and honorary scholarship amounts from $1000 to $1500 each! (2-26-2025)
Standard Scholarships
Twenty-four (24) scholarships of $1000 each.
Honorary Awards
- A $1500 scholarship in honor of Debra K. Johnson for a student majoring in Criminal Justice.
- A $1500 scholarship in memory of Roderick Sharp for a dependent of a TN State Trooper.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for all scholarships, you must be:
- A high school senior or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior, AND
- Either a dependent child of a regular or retired TSEA member, a regular or retired TSEA member yourself, or a dependent child of a full-time TSEA employee, with at least one year of membership or employment by the scholarship application deadline.*
Debra K. Johnson Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship eligibility
To be eligible for this award, you must:
- meet the scholarship eligibility requirements, AND
- be a student majoring in Criminal Justice.
Rod Sharp State Trooper Memorial Scholarship eligibility
To be eligible for this award, you must:
- meet the scholarship eligibility requirements*, AND
- be a dependent of a TN State Trooper.
* TSEA membership of a parent is not solely required to be eligible for the Rod Sharp Memorial Scholarship. If you are the dependent of a State Trooper, regardless of membership, please apply. However, TSEA member parents will have priority in the selection process.
The qualifying TSEA member or employee must still be active when awards are announced.
FAQ’s
How do I access the scholarship application?
A: CLICK HERE to apply. We will also share this link several times throughout the application period via email.
Who is eligible to apply for the TSEA scholarships?
A: Eligibility is open to high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are either dependent children of regular or retired TSEA members, TSEA members themselves, or dependent children of full-time TSEA employees with at least one year of membership or employment by the scholarship application deadline. More details, including specifics for our special awards, are included above under eligibility criteria.
Are previous TSEA scholarship winners eligible to apply again?
A: No. Previous winners of TSEA scholarships are not eligible to apply for another award.
What documents do I need to upload with my application?
A: You may need to upload proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and any specific documents related to the special awards if you are applying for the Debra K. Johnson or Roderick Sharp scholarship. Please check the application form for a detailed list of required documents.
Can I save my application and return to it later?
A: Yes, you can save your progress and return to complete your application later. You will receive a link via email when you save your application. However, please note that you must return to your application within 30 days of saving; otherwise, you will need to start over.
What if I can’t find the email to resume my saved application?
A: Check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the email in your inbox. Sometimes, email from us might be filtered there. If found, move it to your inbox to continue your application. To avoid this in the future, add our email to your contacts or safe sender list.
How will I know that my application has been received?
A: Upon submission, you will receive an auto-reply confirmation acknowledging receipt of your application.
What if I need to make changes to my application after submitting it?
A: If you need to make any changes to your application, you can do so by emailing the specified changes before the deadline to Linda Darden at [email protected]. Please ensure that you provide clear details about the changes to be made. Changes after the deadline will not be accepted.
How are the scholarship recipients chosen?
A: Recipients are selected by a TSEA board-appointed scholarship panel. This panel reviews applications based on set criteria that align with the organization’s values and the specific requirements of each scholarship.
When will the scholarship recipients be announced?
A: The timeline for announcing scholarship recipients will be communicated after the application period closes. All applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application.
How can I use the scholarship award?
A: Scholarship awards are intended to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for course load at accredited, nonprofit two- or four-year colleges/universities in the United States.
