Minnesota Sheriffs Offering $2,000 Law Enforcement Scholarships, Benton County Deadline November 23rd

(KNSI) – Students working toward a law enforcement career can now apply for a scholarship through their local sheriff’s office.

The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association has opened applications for its 2026 Law Enforcement Scholarship Program. The association’s board plans to award up to 18 scholarships of $2,000 each, funded through the state’s 87 elected sheriffs.

The money is aimed at students who are doing well in the classroom but are struggling with the cost of training. To qualify, a student must be enrolled in the mandated POST skills program, in the second year of a two-year law enforcement program, or in the third or fourth year of a four-year criminal justice degree.

Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck says the association weighs financial need when it picks winners, and the scholarship committee tries to spread the awards across every region of the state rather than concentrating them in one area.

Applications go to the applicant’s local sheriff. In Benton County, forms are available in person or online. Sheriff Shawn Larsen’s office in Morrison County is also taking applications.

The statewide deadline is November 30th, but Benton County is asking applicants to turn theirs in by November 23rd. Winners will be announced in early 2027 on the association’s website and social media.

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