Scholarships

Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM Scholarship Deadline is today: 5/15/25 at 11:59pm.

Scholarship Guidelines for Signal 30 Troopers Benefit Fund, Inc.

Signal 30 Troopers Benefit Fund, Inc.  (“Signal 30”) is a public charity organized to conduct various activities centered around the support of careers in law enforcement and the support of families of law enforcement professionals.  As part of this charitable mission, Signal 30 has implemented a scholarship program for (a) individuals pursuing educational opportunities that will allow them to pursue, continue or further a career in law enforcement; and (b) family members of law enforcement professionals who are pursuing higher education degrees.  This scholarship program is integral to the organization’s primary objectives of supporting and promoting careers in law enforcement and the families of law enforcement professionals.

In order to assist you in determining eligibility for scholarships, we have outlined various broad criteria. Individuals interested in applying should be in compliance with the below criteria, and submit application materials to Signal 30 prior to May 15th. 

General criteria for Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM scholarship and other scholarships administered by Signal 30 are as follows:

• US citizen
• Child or stepchild of any active, retired or deceased New York State Trooper (including members assigned to the New York State Bureau of Criminal Investigation), or similar law enforcement position.
• Successful scholastic achievement with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Full-time enrollment (12 credits or more per semester) at a college, university or other post-secondary institution (this includes enrollment at an associates degree, bachelor’s degree or graduate degree program, and trade schools)
• For educational opportunities relating to careers in law enforcement, documentation of enrollment in an appropriate program
• Timely receipt of a completed application and attendant documentation
• Scholarships are awarded on an objective basis.
• Applicants are generally only eligible to receive one scholarship from the Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM scholarship program. This includes the Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM scholarship and the Named Scholarships.  Applicants are, however, eligible to receive The Jeffry T. Edelson Memorial Scholarship in addition to a Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM scholarship or a Named Scholarship.

Application procedures may vary for certain scholarships, including named scholarships.

General procedures and considerations for scholarships administered by Signal 30 are as follows:

• Applicants are eligible to receive scholarship funding for up to 4 years.
• Applicants must provide documentation of grades, GPAs, and enrollment.
• All applicants must adhere to eligibility and application procedures.
• Selection of successful candidates is made on an impartial basis, by the decision of a scholarship committee appointed by the Board of Directors of Signal 30.
• The dollar amount and number of scholarships awarded will vary dependent on availability of funds and the number of qualified applicants.
• Scholarships may be used for tuition, room, board and textbooks.
• Payment of scholarships will be in accordance with procedures established by Signal 30.
• Scholarships will be awarded on a non-discriminatory basis.
• Application materials will not be returned to the sender. These materials will not be used by Signal 30 for any other purpose.
• Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating the best combination of criteria.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact scholarships@signal30.org or call 518-313-7010, ext 10.

Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM Scholarships for 2025

Thirty-Five Scholarships of $4,000 each for a 1-year period.

Scholarship payments will be written to the individual.

The Silver Shield Foundation Scholarship

Active Member Scholarship For New York State Police

Background:

Since 1982, The Silver Shield Foundation has been committed to providing educational support for the children and surviving spouses of Police Officers, Firefighters and EMS members killed in the line of duty.

In addition, The Silver Shield Foundation Scholarship Program honors the service of the New York State Police by awarding a scholarship to a college bound child of an active uniformed member.

Requirements and Eligibility:

• The recipient must be the dependent child of an active uniformed member of service.
• Recipient must be a high school graduate and be accepted to an accredited 4-year college in the United States.
• The recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student during the entire academic year.

Award:

The Silver Shield Foundation will award one (1) Active Member Scholarship not to exceed $30,000 for undergraduate study at an accredited US college. The award is payable at $7,500 per year and renewable for a period of no more than four years.

Submission:

The scholarship recipient is responsible for completing The Silver Shield Foundation Active Member Family Enrollment Form. Award payments will be made to the school on behalf of the student upon submission of their annual SSF Tuition Request Form and tuition invoice.

Selection will be made through the NYS Trooper Signal 30 Benefits Fund requirements. The Signal 30 Benefit Fund will provide The Silver Shield Foundation with the name and contact information of the awardee prior to the start of the semester.

Silver Shield Foundation
870 United Nations Plaza, First Floor
New York, NY  10017
212-832-1100
kcfuchs@silvershieldfoundation.org
www.silvershieldfoundation.org

Other Named Scholarships for Signal 30 Troopers Benefit Fund^TM Scholarships for 2025

• In Memory of Paul Gerry Scholarship
  • One scholarship of $2,500 annually for a 4-year period for a total of $10,000.
• The Dr. Brandon J. Erdle Police Surgeons Medical Education Scholarship
  • This is named in loving memory of Dr. Erdle, who was a NYS Troopers Police Surgeons doctor volunteer. This scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in helping heal mankind by attending medical school or nursing school. 
  • One scholarship of $10,000 for a 1-year period.
• Adam R. Rose Scholarship
  • Two scholarships of $5,000 for a 1-year period.
• The New York Centurion Foundation Scholarship
  • Two scholarships of $4,000 each for a 1-year period.
• Inv. Frederick R. Geisel Memorial Scholarship
  • One scholarship of $2,500 for a 1- year period.
• The Marines Ready to Educate Scholarship Fund
  • The Marines Ready to Educate Scholarship Fund honors the unparalleled heroism and selfless sacrifice of law enforcement. These scholarships provide financial support and inspiration to the children of these brave men and women. It empowers them to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
  • Three scholarships of $2,100 for a 1-year period.
• JMGIII Memorial Scholarship Fund 
  • John Michael Grassia III, known to all who loved him as J, was 30 years old when he tragically passed away on March 8, 2024, while doing what he loved—flying and protecting others. His helicopter went down while patrolling the Texas-Mexico border, marking the end of a life defined by courage, selflessness, and a deep commitment to service. J was not only an Army National Guard Helicopter Pilot but also a proud New York State Trooper. J’s dedication and spirit had a profound impact on all who knew him. J had an unwavering pursuit of aspiration that led him to fulfill his childhood dreams. His impact continues to resonate through those he touched, and his spirit lives on through the work of his foundation and this scholarship. 
  • One scholarship of $1,000 for a 1-year period.
• The Sr. Investigator Raymond A. Salvie Scholarship
  • Named after Raymond A. Salvie, a NYSTPBA member from 1954 – 2022 and a WWII veteran and survivor of the battle of Iwo Jima.
  • Five scholarships of $1,000 for a 1-year period.
• Edward J. Curtin American Ex Prisoner of War Scholarship
  • Named after an Army 8th Air Force Former Prisoner of War. He was a Waist/Tail Gunner on a B-24 Liberator Bomber flying out of North Pickenham Airfield in Norfolk, England with the 492^nd Bomb Group 858^th Bomb Squadron. On May 19, 1944 , during his fourth mission attacking the Marshalling yards in Brunswick, Germany when his liberator was heavily damaged from ME 109 fighter attacks and Flak the crew had to bail out over Holland. His internment lasted for 18 months at Stalag Luft IV in East Prussia (Poland). He survived the 86 day, 500-mile “Black Death March” from Luft IV during one of the coldest winters in Europe. He was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries suffered from bullet fragments between his eyes, arm and backside. He was 84 lbs. upon his return to the Unites States. He was the former Commander of the NYS American Ex Prisoner of War Association. His family is honored to celebrate his heroism through this scholarship.
  • One scholarship of $1,000 for a 1-year period.
• Future Troopers JKLL Scholarship Fund
  • One scholarship of $1,000 for a 1-year period for a student in the Troop K area studying Criminal Justice.
• In Memory of Trooper Nicholas F. Clark
  • One scholarship of $500 for a 1-year period, sponsored by Allegany County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Only available to high school seniors who reside in Steuben County.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact scholarships@signal30.org or call 518-313-7010, ext. 10 for additional information. 

Sergeant Jeffry T. Edelson Memorial 2025 Scholarship

Applications deadline May 31, 2025.

The Edelson Family in conjunction with the Signal 30 Troopers Benefit Fund, Inc., is proud to offer the Sergeant Jeffry T. Edelson Memorial Scholarship to continue his legacy. We will award 5 scholarships in the amount of $2,500 and 18 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to any child/stepchild of NYS Troopers: all active, retired, BCI associate members in good standing.

Please refer to the attached application form for further information such as the eligibility requirements.

This scholarship is separate from the Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM Scholarship Program. You can be awarded both an Edelson Scholarship and a Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund^TM Scholarship. Please complete each application process fully to be eligible for each separate scholarship.   

Guidelines for 2025 Sgt. Jeffry T. Edelson Scholarship Eligibility are as follows:

The Sergeant Jeffry T. Edelson Scholarship is open to children/stepchildren of all NYS Troopers (active, retired, and BCI associate members) in good standing.

• Students must supply proof of acceptance or attendance with the submission of their application
• The scholarship may be used for tuition, room, board and/or books
• Must be accepted as a full-time student (12 credit hours per semester) at an accredited college for the upcoming semester
• May be enrolled in an associate degree program at a two year community college, an undergraduate program at a four year college, or a graduate degree program
• Must maintain a 2.5 or greater grade point average

Likewise, please direct any questions regarding this scholarship to scholarships@signal30.org or call 518-313-7010, ext 10.