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The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office has announced it is accepting applications for the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship for upstanding Virginia-based college students majoring in criminal justice. 

Since 1994, the Sheriff’s Office has provided the VSI scholarship to help full-time and part-time college students furthering their education as criminal justice or law enforcement majors.

“We have had students receive the scholarships more than once and return to our office for an internship,” said Chief Deputy Maj. David Miles. “Of the many disciplines and career paths that are available to our students, we hope this scholarship will encourage new and young talent to pursue careers in the criminal justice field.”

The sheriff also praised what the program has accomplished.

“In order for the criminal justice system to grow and evolve, our future officers, agents, and analysts should have every chance they can to further their education,” said Sheriff E.C. Harris in a news release. “This scholarship will help aid students in their educational goals and dreams.”

The main criteria for receiving the scholarship are as follows:

• Letter of recommendation from the current sheriff of the local designated city/county
• Must be a criminal justice major (pre-law/law does not qualify)
• Must be enrolled in a Virginia college/university
• Applications must be completed and signed online

The application deadline is May 1, 2023. For more information, go to vasheriffsinstitute.org.