ESA Youth Scholarship Program

Program Type: College scholarship for high school students

Background: Launched in 1996 to promote goodwill among the electronic systems industry and police and fire officials by providing college scholarship awards to deserving sons and daughters of police officers and fire officials.

Geographic Scope: United States - Multi-tiered program involving 14+ Chartered Chapter Associations (states) plus national competition

Eligibility:

• High school seniors
• Children of police officers or fire officials (volunteer or career)
• Demonstrated scholastic achievement and community service commitment
• Must apply through local Chartered Chapter Association or directly to ESA if in non-participating state

Award Structure:

• National Awards:
  • First Place: $7,500
  • Second Place: $2,500
  • National Nominee (from non-participating states): $1,000
• Local Chapter Awards: Additional $1,000 scholarships from participating state associations
• Total Program: Approximately $41,000 awarded annually to ~29 winners

Selection Process:

• Multi-tiered competition
• Students first apply through local Chartered Chapter Association
• State winners and one national nominee from non-participating states compete nationally
• Selection based on essay, scholastic achievement, and community service
• Competitive (680+ applicants in recent year)

Contact Information:

• Phone: (888) 447-1689
• ESA Communications Specialist Jason Smith: jasons@alarm.org
• Mailing Address: Electronic Security Association, 2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230, Irving, TX 75062

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Application Method

• If in participating state with Chartered Chapter Association: Apply through local chapter
• If in non-participating state: Apply directly to ESA

Step 2: Submit Application Materials

• Completed application form
• Essay (topic and length not specified in materials provided)
• Scholastic records/transcripts

Step 3: Selection Timeline

• Local chapter winners are selected first
• State winners advance to national competition
• National nominee from non-participating states competes at national level
• Winners announced (historically in May)

Required Materials:

• Essay demonstrating:
  • Understanding of parent's public service commitment
  • Personal community service involvement
  • Leadership and civic duty
  • Scholastic achievement
• High school transcript/academic records

Contact for Application Details:

• ESA Communications: (888) 447-1689 ext. 210
• Jason Smith: jasons@alarm.org
• Or contact local Chartered Chapter Association directly