Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

April 10, 2026

2 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Julie Cross Memorial Scholarship

Funder: Foundation of the United States Secret Service Association (USSSA)

Geographic Scope: United States

Program Status: Active; application window open March 10 - April 10, 2026

Background: Julie Cross was appointed a United States Secret Service Special Agent in 1979 at the San Diego Field Office. Her next assignment was in the Los Angeles Field Office in 1980, when three days in, she died in the line of duty during a confrontation with two armed assailants during a counterfeit surveillance. Julie was the first female Secret Service Special Agent to be killed in the line of duty. This scholarship honors her memory and legacy.

    Focus Area

  • Women seeking careers in law enforcement or related fields
  • Undergraduate or graduate programs

    Eligibility

  • Women who are friends or family of USSSA members
  • Applicants must be referred/sponsored by a USSSA member (does not have to be a relation)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Important: Recipients of past Julie Cross awards are ineligible for any future awards

    Award Details

  • Award Amount: Not specified
  • Notification: End of May 2026 via electronic notification; printed letters mailed by week ending June 5
  • Payment: Checks mailed directly to educational institutions by end of July

    Contact Information

  • Address: 1415 28th Street, Suite 400, West Des Moines, IA 50266
  • Phone: 515-282-8192
  • Website: secretserviceassociation.org

How to Apply

Application Process

Application Platform: Smarter Select software (online submission required)

Timeline:

  • Application window opens: March 10, 2026

  • Application deadline: April 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM CDT

  • All submissions must be completed online by the student
  • Required Materials

    1. Login Credentials: Create Smarter Select account (returning applicants can use previous login)
    2. Transcript:
    - Most recent transcript
    - Minimum 3.0 GPA (unweighted 4.0 scale)
    - Must clearly state GPA scale
    - Must include school name and student name
    - Upload yourself or request from school
    3. Two Letters of Recommendation:
    - Letter 1: From a USSSA Member
    - Letter 2: From a teacher, coach, counselor, campus, or community leader
    - Both letters must be specifically tailored for USSSA Scholarship
    - Must be addressed to USSSA Scholarship Committee
    - Must be signed and dated (dated within 6 months of application)
    4. Letter of Acceptance: Required for incoming freshmen or transfer students
    5. Video Essay Submission:
    - Length: 2-3 minutes maximum
    - Upload to YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox
    - Configure settings to allow anyone to view
    - Paste video link in application text box
    6. Written Essay Submission: Required in addition to video essay

      Application Requirements Summary

    • Online submission via Smarter Select
    • Student must submit application (not parent/guardian)
    • All materials due by April 10, 2026, 11:59 PM CDT
    • Confirmation that mailing address for check is provided to educational institution's specific office (Financial Aid, Bursar, etc.)

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    first-responderswomen

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