Commander Newell S. Rand Jr. Scholarship Program

About this program

Park Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) offers the Commander Newell S. Rand Jr. Scholarship, a one‑time $1,000 award for students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in park law enforcement–related fields (e.g., environmental/park law enforcement, criminal justice with environmental coursework, wildlife management, forestry, natural resource management). Awards are made annually by the PLEA Board of Directors subject to available funds and must be expended within one year. Eligible applicants must be accredited high school graduates with a cumulative HS GPA ≥ 3.0 or current college students with a cumulative college GPA ≥ 2.5, and be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credit hours). Typed applications must be emailed to ExecutiveDirector@ParkRanger.com by June 1 and include three letters of recommendation (one from a counselor/instructor, principal, or college advisor), a one‑page essay of need, and a summary of school/community leadership activities; recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA each semester and provide proof of enrollment.