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.

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.