ASCLD Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
Overview
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) provides yearly scholarships for students pursuing forensic science-related degrees, subject to Board of Directors approval. Awards are typically $1,000 each; however, the total number of scholarships and the exact award amounts are set each year depending on available funding.
Who is eligible
- Must be enrolled at an accredited university as either:
- a junior (third-year undergraduate) in a baccalaureate program, or
- a first-year graduate student.
- Degree programs eligible include forensic science, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, or a natural science degree with a forensic science concentration.
- Applicants from FEPAC-accredited programs and participants in the FRC LEAP program will receive additional consideration.
- Note: the scholarship is intended for students planning to enter the forensic profession; current forensic science laboratory employees pursuing graduate degrees are not eligible.
Application deadline
Applications are NOW OPEN UNTIL FEBRUARY 20, 2026.
Selection process
A subcommittee of at least three members from ASCLD’s Nominations and Awards Committee — none of whom may be affiliated with an institution that has applicants in the competition — will review and evaluate submissions. That subcommittee’s recommendations are forwarded to the ASCLD Board of Directors for final approval.
How applications are evaluated
Applications are assessed and ranked based on:
- Overall academic record
- Academic performance in forensic science coursework
- Substance and quality of any research project(s)
- Demonstrated motivation and commitment to a career in forensic science
- Recommendation from a faculty/academic advisor or an ASCLD full member
- Enrollment in a FEPAC-accredited program and/or participation in the FRC LEAP program
If you need the application form or have questions about eligibility or the review process, please contact ASCLD for further details.