Through this program, approved students will have 100% of their tuition paid, enabling them to pursue eligible degree programs that prepare them to serve Missouri communities in public safety roles. This includes approved associate and bachelor’s degrees aligned with fields such as criminal justice, psychology, biology, chemistry, public relations, homeland security, emergency management, disaster management, and other eligible subjects.

“Culver-Stockton is proud to support the individuals who serve and protect our communities,” said Seth McBride, Director, Center for Public Safety at C-SC and chair of the C-SC Criminal Justice department. “Through this partnership, we hope to expand educational access for public safety personnel and their families while continuing to prepare future leaders committed to strengthening the safety and well-being of Missouri communities.”

Scholarship Eligibility

To qualify for the 2026-27 academic year, applicants must:

• Apply by Dec. 15, 2025. (Students must reapply each academic year to be considered for funding.)
• Be Missouri residents.
• Be public safety personnel with at least six years of service, or the dependent child of eligible personnel with at least 10 years of service.
• Meet admission requirements and be enrolled in an approved degree program.
• Not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete the FAFSA and provide required verification documents.

Eligible applicants may be current or former police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or advanced emergency medical technicians, as defined by Missouri statute. Verification may include state-issued licenses, certificates, or employer documentation supporting full-time service.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026–27 academic year must be completed by December 15, 2025. Students must reapply each academic year to be considered for funding.

��How to Apply

Prospective students may begin the application process by visiting the following resources:

• Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship Information & Eligibility Requirements:
• Access the Scholarship Employment Verification Form:
• Complete the FAFSA to Get Started:

For more information, contact McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

“As the demand for skilled professionals in criminal justice and education continues to rise, 91ֱ�� remains steadfast in its commitment to prepare students for meaningful careers. We are excited to offer accelerated programs designed to fast-track students toward success in these vital fields,” said 91ֱ�� President Lauren Schellenberger.

Students in the accelerated programs can earn their degrees in just three years—allowing them to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies sooner. These programs are designed to provide immersive, hands-on experiences at an expedited pace. With integrated internships,
real-world learning opportunities, and a strong focus on career preparation, the programs distinguish themselves as a premier pathway for motivated students seeking a fast-tracked, high-quality education.

The accelerated Criminal Justice Program path will have the key focuses of law enforcement, legal studies, corrections, and community advocacy. The Department understands the high demand for qualified criminal justice personnel needed in the tri-state region, as well as across the United States. To accommodate this demand, the C-SC Criminal Justice Program is offering an accelerated track for their traditional undergrad Criminal Justice degree.

“The opportunity for a traditional C-SC student to finish their undergrad degree within three years gets them into the workforce to take advantage of the demand in the criminal justice fields across our great country,” 91ֱ�� Professor Seth McBride explained. “It also lessens the financial burden of the student for completing their degree in three years, compared to four years.”

The second accelerated program launched focuses on addressing the critical teacher shortages impacting schools nationwide. With a growing need for qualified educators, the Education program is designed to prepare future teachers to meet the needs of today’s classrooms. Students can choose from several specializations, including elementary, secondary, and special education, ensuring they are equipped to serve a variety of educational needs. The program’s structure emphasizes practical experience, giving students the opportunity to engage in classroom settings early on, and supports their development through rigorous coursework.

”The accelerated program to prepare students to become teachers will prepare future educators with the tools they need to be a transformative and effective teacher through experiential learning courses,” said Professor Cindy Whiston, Education Department Chair. “This focus on both the practical and academic aspects of teaching makes Culver-Stockton’s Accelerated Education Program a valuable stepping stone for those passionate about shaping the future of education.”

Enrolling in either accelerated program offers students a unique opportunity to jump-start their careers while streamlining their path to graduation. By reducing the time required to complete a degree, these programs help lower overall educational costs, making a high-quality education more accessible and financially efficient.

Additionally, students who participate in our accelerated offerings have the unique opportunity to fast-track their careers through 91ֱ��’s innovative 3+2 approach. This enables students to earn a Master’s degree online after just three years of undergraduate study. It will enhance their professional growth and open doors to advanced career opportunities.

The new accelerated programs will officially launch in Fall 2025, offering prospective students an expedited path to earning their degrees in criminal justice or education. Interested students can apply through the 91ֱ�� admission portal or request more information (admission@culver.edu) to learn about specific enrollment requirements and the program’s unique features.

Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000, ext. 6728, for more information.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, four graduate programs, 19 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

The walk is a culmination of the 12-week course entitled “In the Line of Duty,” which teaches students historical, emotional, and interpersonal skills to understand further the commitment first responders make when taking an oath as a professional. Senior Lecturer Seth McBride teaches the course, and he said the objective is to recognize the fallen heroes who have made the utmost sacrifice. “The content covered in this course, and the conversations that take place throughout the 12-week semester, will push students outside of their comfort zone,” McBride said. “We are asking college students to create connections with someone who has tragically lost a loved one. These difficult conversations and the relationships that result from it will prepare the minds of our students for the trajectory of their career.”

Any monies raised or donations received during the walk will benefit two organizations: Supporting Heroes, Inc. and Who’s House Our House (WHOH) organizations. Supporting Heroes, Inc. is focused on serving family members of fallen first responders to create relationships amid tragedy, and WHOH promotes community policing initiatives with inner-city youth.

For more information regarding the Fallen Officer Project, contact Seth McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

“This is a life course,” McBride said, “We are asking college students to go out of their comfort zone to connect with someone who has lost a loved one.” While the conversations may present new experiences for the students, the project’s outcomes far outweigh the hesitations. Jared Henderson, a senior at C-SC, has chosen to represent a fallen firefighter because he serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community. Henderson said that he knows the project and walk are “important to the families.” He shared, “The Fallen Officer Project lets them know that their family member hasn’t been forgotten- it represents and honors them.”

The walk will be held on the Richeson Track at Ellison-Poulton Stadium on the campus of 91ֱ�� from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The cost to participate is $25, and registration is open to the public.�� All proceeds go to Supporting Heroes and Whose House Our House Foundation, an organization committed to bridging the gap between law enforcement and inner-city youth. To sign up for the Fallen Officer walk or donate to the project, visit . For additional information about the Fallen Officer Project, please contact Seth McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.