Our association is proud to help fund several different scholarships. The criteria, eligibility application process and the amounts for each are outline below.
The first scholarship offered is in memory of Lt. Jim Molinelli in the amount of $1,000.00. This is designated for the son or daughter of a current Environmental Conservation Officer or Investigator (Preference given to a member of the association first). The scholarship is awarded directly to the successful applicant, regardless of their major, and may be used at any college within the State. In the case that no applicants are received from a person described above it would then go to a child or grandchild of an active member of the association. If none of the above persons submit applications in time, then eligibility would be granted to non-members.
The second scholarship is through a generous donor to NYCOA, three (3) $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded annually in memory of former Director Robert VanBenschoten. He began his career in the Region 4 area and eventually worked his way up to the Director of the Division of Law Enforcement in 1976. These scholarships are awarded to family members of active NYCOA members who are pursuing a career in Law Enforcement or Natural Resources. Should there not be any applicants meeting the above criteria it would then fall to an active member’s child or grandchild. If none of the above applicants apply it would then go to a non-member with preference given to the applicant pursuing a career in Law Enforcement or Natural Resources.
The third scholarship is the ECO Stephen L Raymond Memorial Scholarship for $2500. The scholarship is open to any current or retired Environmental Conservation Officer, their spouse or their children. They can attend any accredited 2 or 4 year college.
All scholarship applications should be completed and received by July 31st of that year to be processed and issued in time for the upcoming school year.