DISA 2025 Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship Open Now

DISA Global Solutions is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship, an annual award dedicated to supporting future leaders in criminal justice. Established in 2014 in memory of Melissa M. Linville, a beloved former member of the DISA team, this scholarship honors her legacy of compassion, selflessness, and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Each year, DISA awards a $500 scholarship to an aspiring student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear vision for their impact in the criminal justice field. Through this initiative, we continue to celebrate Melissa’s enduring influence and help shape a brighter future for communities across the country.

Apply by Friday, July 25, 2025

About the Scholarship

Since its founding, the Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship has recognized students who are not only pursuing education in criminal justice but who also show a deep desire to bring positive change to the system. Whether their goals lie in law enforcement, forensics, psychology, advocacy, or legal reform, recipients of this scholarship are united by a shared purpose: to serve and strengthen the principles of justice in our society.

The scholarship is open to:

• High school seniors or recent graduates planning to enter a criminal justice program
• Current college students enrolled full-time or part-time in criminal justice or related studies
• Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Those enrolled in post-secondary education during the current academic year

What You’ll Need to Apply

Applicants must submit:

• Full name, email address, and phone number
• Proof of enrollment (transcript or class schedule for Fall 2025)
• A 1–2 page essay outlining:
  • Your ambitions and goals within the criminal justice field
  • Why you chose this career path
  • How this scholarship will support your academic and professional journey

Applications must be received by July 25, 2025. The winner will be announced by August 15, 2025.

What We’re Looking For

A panel of DISA representatives will review applications based on the following criteria:

• Clear passion for and understanding of the criminal justice field
• Demonstrated leadership and eagerness to learn

• Articulated desire to make a meaningful difference in society

   

Looking Back: Celebrating Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Last year, the scholarship was awarded to two exceptional students, Audrey Kuo and Jocelyn Johnson, both of whom embody the spirit and purpose of the scholarship.

Audrey Kuo is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and has set her sights on becoming a forensic psychiatrist. Her goal of earning a JD/MA in legal and forensic psychology reflects her commitment to improving mental health awareness and advocacy within the criminal justice system. Her academic record, including Dean’s List honors and research internships, highlights her passion for both science and justice.

Jocelyn Johnson, a Philosophy major at Florida A&M University, is focused on becoming a legal advocate. With credits from Harvard and a perfect GPA, she has combined rigorous academics with hands-on courthouse experiences to build a foundation for a future in legal reform. Her goal is to address inequities in the legal system through ethical, thoughtful legal practice.

Both students exemplify the core values that Melissa lived by—compassion, service, and dedication—and DISA is honored to support their educational journeys.

Continuing Melissa’s Legacy

Melissa Linville was known for her unwavering kindness, generosity, and belief in the potential of others. By awarding this scholarship each year, DISA extends her legacy and invests in a future where justice is pursued with integrity, empathy, and purpose.

If you or someone you know is passionate about a career in criminal justice, we invite you to apply and become part of this meaningful tradition.

Submit your application by July 25, 2025