TSEA Scholarship Program

TSEA 2027 Scholarship Program

Supporting the educational pursuits of our members and their families

Applications Open February 1, 2027

Applications Open February 1, 2027

The Tennessee State Employees Association is preparing for its 2027 Scholarship Program! Eligible TSEA members and their families will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to help cover the cost of higher education.

Applications will be available online beginning February 1, 2027. We encourage prospective applicants to review the eligibility requirements and begin preparing their application materials.

2027 Application Period: February 1 – March 17, 2027

Please Note: The TSEA Scholarship Committee adjusted the application period for 2027. Applications will open February 1 and close March 17, 2027. Please plan accordingly.

The online application will be available on this page when the application period opens.

Overview

The Tennessee State Employees Association is proud to offer a scholarship program designed to support the educational pursuits of our members and their families. This program reflects our commitment to supporting the personal and professional development of the TSEA community.

Scholarship Awards

General Scholarships

General TSEA Scholarships

$1,000

30 awards available

For eligible TSEA members and their dependents

Special Awards

Debra K. Johnson Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship

$1,500

For students majoring in Criminal Justice

Roderick Sharp State Trooper Memorial Scholarship

$1,500

For dependents of Tennessee State Troopers

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for our scholarships, applicants must be:

  • A high school senior, college freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior
  • AND meet one of the following:
    • A dependent child of a regular or retired TSEA member
    • A regular or retired TSEA member yourself
    • A dependent child of a full-time TSEA employee
  • Have at least one year of membership or employment by the scholarship application deadline

Additional Eligibility for Special Awards

Debra K. Johnson Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship:

  • Meet the general scholarship eligibility requirements
  • Be a student majoring in Criminal Justice

Roderick Sharp State Trooper Memorial Scholarship:

  • Meet the general scholarship eligibility requirements
  • Be a dependent of a Tennessee State Trooper
Note:
TSEA membership of a parent is not solely required to be eligible for the Roderick 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.

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications for the 2027 TSEA Scholarship Program will be accepted online from February 1 through March 17, 2027. The application form will be available on this page beginning February 1.

Required Documents

Applicants may need to upload:

  • Proof of enrollment
  • Academic transcripts
  • A letter of recommendation
  • Specific documents related to the special awards, if applicable

Please review the application form for the complete list of required documents when applications open.

Application Confirmation

Applicants will receive an automatic email confirmation after successfully submitting their application.

Making Changes After Submission

If you need assistance with a submitted application, please contact Linda Darden at
[email protected].

Selection Process

Recipients are selected by a TSEA board-appointed scholarship panel comprised of TSEA leadership. This panel reviews applications based on criteria that align with the organization’s values and the specific requirements of each scholarship.

Notification

Following the application deadline, the scholarship panel will review submitted applications. All applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application.

Use of Scholarship Funds

Scholarship awards are intended to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for coursework at accredited, nonprofit two- or four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for a 2027 TSEA scholarship?
Applications open February 1, 2027, and must be submitted by March 17, 2027.
How do I access the scholarship application?
The online application will be available on this page beginning February 1, 2027.
Who is eligible to apply for TSEA scholarships?
Eligibility is open to high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are dependent children of regular or retired TSEA members, TSEA members themselves, or dependent children of full-time TSEA employees. The applicable membership or employment requirement is at least one year by the application deadline.
Are previous TSEA scholarship winners eligible to apply again?
No. Previous winners of TSEA scholarships are not eligible to apply for another award.
What documents do I need to upload with my application?
Required documents may include proof of enrollment, academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and additional documentation for special awards. The application form will provide complete instructions.
Can I save my application and return to it later?
Instructions for completing and submitting your application will be provided when the 2027 application period opens.
How will I know my application has been received?
You will receive an automatic email confirmation after successfully submitting your application.
What if I need to make changes after submitting my application?
Contact Linda Darden at
[email protected]
for assistance.
How are scholarship recipients chosen?
Recipients are selected by a TSEA board-appointed scholarship panel based on established criteria and the specific requirements of each scholarship.
When will scholarship recipients be announced?
Applications will be reviewed following the March 17 deadline. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application.
How can I use a scholarship award?
Scholarship awards are intended to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for coursework at accredited, nonprofit two- or four-year colleges and universities in the United States.

Questions?

For questions about the TSEA Scholarship Program, please contact the TSEA office.

615-256-4533

Email:

[email protected]

TSEA