The Wisconsin Security Association (WISA), is pleased to announce the availability of two college scholarships for graduating seniors whose parents are full-time, active-duty members of Wisconsin police or fire personnel.
One $1,500 Youth Scholarship will be awarded to a son/daughter of an active-duty police department member and one to a son/daughter of an active-duty fire department member. The rules for eligibility are contained in this mailing.
WISA members are companies that sell, design, install, maintain and monitor electronic burglar and fire alarm systems. We are committed to serving the public with high-quality products and services that help protect lives and property, and currently have 46 members statewide.
This scholarship award is a small way for our industry to say thank you to our very dedicated public safety community, and to help pay for advanced education for deserving students. Please post this great opportunity on your bulletin boards, websites, in emails, etc. or any place you see fit. A copy of the requirements are included with this letter and an application is available HERE.
Another exciting aspect of this scholarship is that the first-place winner from our state is eligible for the national scholarship awards. The ESA Youth Scholarship Program awards two college scholarships. The first-place national winner receives $7,500, and the second-place winner receives $2,500. We are happy to provide this opportunity to two deserving students and look forward to assisting you in any way. If you have questions, please contact Nicole Szopinski at (414) 459-3260 or executive.director@wiesa.org
Rules and Eligibility
1. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and not older than 20. He or she must be a graduating high school senior who will receive a diploma from an accredited high school. Home schooled students and students attending military or boarding schools are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be accepted for admission to an accredited college or university, matriculating the following year.
2. Each eligible student must have a father, mother or natural guardian who meets the following qualifications:
a. Parent must be a full-time paid member of the police or sheriff’s department or fire department. Parent/guardian may also be a volunteer member of a fire department.
b. Parent or guardian must be an active duty police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or EMT (public sector). Children of administrative staff do not qualify.
c. Children of DHS, FBI and other Federal employees do not qualify.
d. Children of reserve officers, part-time sheriff’s deputies and retired, or deceased employees do not qualify.
3. Each student must submit a fully completed and signed application. The application may be submitted first, followed by other required documents. Application and all other required documents must be received on or before the deadline to be accepted. Failure to follow instructions can result in disqualification.
4. Students must submit the following:
a. Completed and signed application
b. Essay (typed)
c. Transcripts from the school (or parent if homeschooled) that lists the student’s grade point average. GPA must be in a standard 4.0 or 0-100 percent scale or conversion method must be provided.
d. Proof of acceptance to a college or university (letter/certificate acceptable; does not have to be the student’s intended college or university).
e. Proof of parent’s occupation (copy of ID or supervisory letter on station letterhead acceptable).
f. Copies of official SAT and/or ACT test score results. (These may be included on and sent with official high school transcripts).
g. Résumé listing community service, academic prizes, awards, hobbies, extracurricular activities and work history. h. Proof of verified community service. i. Letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, teacher or other outside agency which speaks to the student’s character.
5. All materials become the property of the Wisconsin Security Association (WISA). By submitting an application and essay, the student grants permission to publish any and all essays. Applicants also agree that if they win, they will cooperate in publicity efforts, including (but not limited to) participating in interviews with state and national communications, local, trade and national press, and submitting photos for inclusion in Wisconsin Security Association (Rampart) publications, press materials and online. Applicants will make every effort to meet with the Wisconsin Security Association (WISA) for an award presentation ceremony. (Attendance at such an event is not a requirement but is encouraged.)
6. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, community service, extracurricular participation and the essay.
All decisions are final. The score is based on the following:
• 20 POINTS: Grade Point Average (unweighted)
• 15 POINTS: SAT or ACT Scores
• 35 POINTS: Essay
• 20 POINTS: Verified Community Service
• 10 POINTS: Academic Prizes, Awards, Hobbies, School and Extracurricular Activities/Clubs
