The J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Scholarship
In recognition of J. Edgar Hoover’s pursuit of excellence in educational standards for the FBI, this perpetual scholarship was established by the Foundation in 1978 and is provided to a 4-year college or university in the United States, preferably with a criminal justice program. Each year, the Society’s conference host committee is privileged to select a recipient in the territory of the conference sponsoring chapter. The scholarship award is for $5,000.
Mr. Hoover was an ardent promoter of the need for well-educated and qualified personnel in all levels of law enforcement. To that extent, he developed the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia to provide comprehensive training for all new FBI Agents prior to their field assignment. Thereafter, Agents are required to return to the Academy periodically for refresher courses in new technology and legal matters pertaining to their duties. He pioneered professionalism in law enforcement throughout this country and in many foreign nations. To accomplish this, he created the FBI National Academy, which is often referred to as the West Point of Law Enforcement. Those attending the Academy are selected from all parts of our nation and our world allies. They receive training in all facets of law enforcement including training in legal requirements of their positions. Due in part to the excellent training these men and women receive, most of those graduating from the Academy eventually assume high ranking positions in their own local, state or even national or military law enforcement organization. It is for these reasons the Former Agents of the FBI honor Mr. Hoover by financially supporting our colleges and universities.