about the SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship has been established by the residents of Cleveland Heights together with family, friends and fellow officers of Officer Jason D. West who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 26, 2007, while protecting the citizens of Cleveland Heights.

For the first eleven years, the Jason D. West Scholarship Fund committee raised funds for college scholarships to Heights High Career Tech Criminal Justice seniors. These students attended two and four year colleges to study criminal justice. Many recipients are now serving as police officers, private security officers, in the armed forces, or pursuing other avenues within the criminal justice field.

In 2022, the board re-structured and made the decision to support cadets attending the Cleveland Heights Police Academy.

Today, the scholarship is awarded to Cleveland Heights Police Academy Cadet(s) who exemplifies Officer West’s dedication to and work as a police officer and who plans on pursuing a career in law enforcement.

WHO MAY APPLY

Cadets currently open-enrolled in the Cleveland Heights Police Academy are eligible to apply. The recipient(s) must successfully complete all Academy requirements and graduate.

selection process

The Scholarship Selection Committee will include members of the Officer Jason D. West Memorial Fund and community residents. The Scholarship Selection Committee will screen applicants based on their application, essay, letters of recommendation, and Academy records. A face to face interview may also be done. The final selection will be made during the Academy and the scholarship awarded at the Academy Graduation.