Fraternal Order of Police Funds New Inver Hills Scholarship

Law enforcement and EMS students at just received a $17,000 boost—thanks to the Fraternal Order of Police Minnesota Lodge.

In 2010 and 2011 the Inver Grove Heights-based organization donated $17,000 to the college to create a new $500 scholarship for students in the school's emergency medical services or law enforcement program. The money was raised via the organization's charitable gambling operations at the and in Inver Grove Heights, said FOP President Mike Norstrem. Norstrem hopes the scholarship program will open up opportunities for students at the college.

The first scholarship will be handed out in the fall of 2012, according to Gail Morrison, the executive director of the Inver Hills Community College Foundation. Students may apply for this scholarship, along with all other scholarships offered by the Inver Hills Foundation, by filling out an application and submitting it by May 17, 2012.  Applications forms can be found on the Inver Hills website and are available in the counseling department at the college.

Students will be evaluated based on financial need, academic achievement, career goals, leadership and volunteer activities and letters of recommendation, Morrison said.

"We have many students in our community that want to have a career in law enforcement or to become a paramedic, and this scholarship will help many individuals fulfill their dream," Morrison said.

The first Fraternal Order of Police lodge established in the state of Minnesota, Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 has more than 250 members and strives to encourage fraternal, educational, charitable and social activities among law enforcement officers. For more information on the group, visit www.mnfop1.org.