IPSLEI Scholarships
The International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute in cooperation with the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation has established an endowment for their scholarship programs. To date, IPSLEI has awarded over $45,700 in scholarships. With your assistance, we will continue to support the future of leadership in public safety service.
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Scholarship applications are available in the Fall of each year, and awards are made in the Spring. Apply for IPSLEI scholarships directly through PTK.
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Scholarship Programs
Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship
The purpose of the Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship Endowment is to provide scholarships to individuals who demonstrate potential for or involvement in public safety or service while enrolled in a regionally accredited associate degree public safety program.
The goal is to award a minimum $1,000 scholarship annually. Completed applications meeting the eligibility criteria for the scholarships are evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute Board of Directors and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. Applications are submitted through Phi Theta Kappa in the Fall of each year. The endowment and awards are managed by the PTK Foundation with input from the IPSLEI Board of Directors.
Ronny J. Coleman Fire & Emergency, Leader Of The Future Endowed Scholarship
The purpose of the Ronny J. Coleman Scholarship is to provide scholarships to individuals who demonstrate potential for or involvement in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Emergency Medical Services, Fire & Emergency Services Administration, Community Risk Reduction, Fire Engineering, Fire Prevention, Public Safety Education, or a closely related field, while enrolled in a regionally accredited associate degree program.
The goal is to award a minimum $1,000 scholarship annually. Completed applications meeting the eligibility criteria for the scholarships are evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute Board of Directors and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. Applications are submitted through Phi Theta Kappa in the Fall of each year. The endowment and awards are managed by the PTK Foundation with input from the IPSLEI Board of Directors.
Gordon Graham Leadership & Ethics in Criminal Justice Scholarship
The purpose of the Gordon Graham Scholarship is to provide scholarships to individuals who demonstrate potential for or involvement in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, Criminology, Law, or a closely related field, while enrolled in a regionally accredited associate degree program.
The goal is to award a minimum $1,000 scholarship annually. Completed applications meeting the eligibility criteria for the scholarships are evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute Board of Directors and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. Applications are submitted through Phi Theta Kappa in the Fall of each year. The endowment and awards are managed by the PTK Foundation with input from the IPSLEI Board of Directors.
2026 Scholarship Awardees
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LAUREN BURRINGTON
Reading Area Community College
Pennsylvania
Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship
Lauren is majoring in Criminal Justice and plans to transfer to Commonwealth University to pursue a career advocating for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of trauma. Inspired by her own childhood experiences navigating the court system, she is committed to helping survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.
Lauren serves as president of her Phi Theta Kappa chapter and works part-time as the Reading office administrator for
Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, where she has gained valuable experience in public service, legislative advocacy, and community engagement while participating in volunteer service throughout her community.
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ERIC JACKSON
Yavapai College, Prescott Campus
Arizona
Ronny J. Coleman Fire & Emergency, Leader Of The Future Endowed Scholarship
After graduating from Yavapai College's Prescott Campus with an Associate in Fire Science in May 2026, he plans to continue his education at Northern Arizona University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Fire Science and Administration. A member of the 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team with a 3.81 GPA, he was also nominated for the All-USA Academic Team. His passion for the fire service was strengthened while serving with the Forestry Commission of New South Wales during Australia's historic 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires.
He currently serves with the Verde Valley Fire Department and plans to continue supporting wildfire management through seasonal work with the U.S. Forest Service while building his career in the fire service.
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SERENA HORSTMAN
Butler County Community College
Pennsylvania
Gordon Graham Leadership & Ethics in Criminal Justice Scholarship
Serena is a first-generation college student majoring in Criminology. She plans to pursue a career in arson investigation. Inspired by her experiences as a first responder, she serves her community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Penn Township Fire Department and has also volunteered with Saxonburg and Butler Ambulance Services.
As Vice President of Service for her Phi Theta Kappa chapter, she is leading efforts to expand her college's campus food pantry while remaining dedicated to her education despite her family's recent financial hardships.
IPSLEI Scholarship Awardees
2025
Russell Chenowith
Montgomery College,
Rockville Campus
Maryland
​Adelyn Dull
Pennsylvania Highlands
Community College
Pennsylvania
​Christine Nguyen
Hawaii Community College,
Hilo Campus
Hawaii
2021
Jack Hutchison
Rowan College of South Jersey
New Jersey
​​​​Alysia Rae Oswald
Fond du Lac Tribal and
Community College
Minnesota
​Timothy Morrison
Thomas Nelson
Community College
Virginia
2017
Alan
Badel
Palomar College
California
​Brazos McPeek
Hill College
Texas
2013
Patricia Esperon
Arkansas State University
Arkansas
Roxanne Skal
Delgado Community College
Louisiana
2024
Marissa Hays
Gadsden State Community
College, Main Campus
Alabama
​Michelle Calderon
Northeast Texas
Community College
Texas
​Raina Sandtner
Flathead Community College,
Kalispell Campus
Montana
2020
Alan Laxton
University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana
Arkansas
​Nicole Torres
Community College of Aurora
Colorado
2016
Gretchen Hogan
Garden City Community College
Kansas
​Donald Finley
Hocking College
Ohio
2012
Gilbert Arellano
Skyline College
California
Michael Lawson
Olympic College
Washington
2023
Robyn Matthews
Johnston Community College
North Carolina
​Jeremy Pepin
State Fair Community College
Missouri
​Nicole Magnani
Savannah Technical College
Georgia
2019
Sadie
Lane
Cleveland State
Community College
Tennessee
​Jacob Fletcher
Indian River State College
Florida
2015
Mark Sinwell
Des Moines Area
Community College
Iowa
Jacqueline Kapu
University of Hawaii,
Maui College
Hawaii
2022
Jalee Chandler
Umpqua Community College
Oregon​
​Jennifer Solis
Muscatine Community College
Iowa
Kyle Golden
Eastern Gateway Community
College of Arizona
Arizona
2018
Logan McElrath
Community College of
Allegheny County
Pennsylvania
​Gary Russell
Blinn College
Texas
2014
Frederick Kerrigan
York County Community College
Maine
Rebecca Taylor
Minnesota State College-
Southeast Technical
Minnesota