NDASA Foundation
Academic Scholarships
Supporting the next generation of leaders in public health, safety, and drug-free advocacy.
Ready to apply? Submit your application and supporting documents by the deadline.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
About the Scholarship Program
The NDASA Foundation supports the next generation of leaders in community health, safety, and drug-free advocacy. Our scholarship program provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Whether you're pursuing a career in public health, safety, counseling, education, drug and alcohol testing, or another related field, we invite you to apply. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, personal character, and financial need.
The program is funded through the Foundation's endowment, corporate partners, and individual donations, including named awards such as The Austin Academic Scholarship Award and contributions from the Wienhoff Foundation.
Who Is Eligible
- Students currently enrolled or accepted at an accredited U.S. college, university, vocational school, or certification program.
- Undergraduate, graduate, and certification-track students are all eligible.
- Pursuing a degree or certification in a field related to drug and alcohol testing, public health, community safety, counseling, substance abuse prevention, criminal justice, nursing, or a related discipline.
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Good academic standing at your institution.
Selection Criteria
- Academic achievement. Grades, coursework, and demonstrated ability in your field of study.
- Community involvement. Volunteer work, advocacy, or other contributions that reflect a commitment to drug-free communities.
- Personal character. Leadership, integrity, and potential to make a difference in the field.
- Financial need. Considered where applicable.
Award Amounts
Scholarship amounts are determined annually based on available funding from the NDASA Foundation endowment, corporate partners, and donor contributions. Named awards, including The Austin Academic Scholarship Award, are granted alongside general Foundation scholarships.
Awards are paid directly to the recipient's institution and applied to tuition, fees, and required educational expenses. Scholarships are not renewable — recipients may reapply in subsequent award cycles.
How Applications Are Reviewed
The NDASA Foundation Scholarship Committee reviews all complete applications after the March 1 deadline. Incomplete submissions are not reviewed.
Recipients are notified within six weeks of the application deadline. Funds are disbursed directly to the recipient's institution after confirmation of enrollment.
Recipient Responsibilities
- Notify the Foundation of any changes to enrollment status, institution, or field of study.
- Submit a brief recipient statement (300 words or fewer) that the Foundation may share on its website, newsletter, or donor materials.
- Agree to be recognized publicly as a scholarship recipient, including name, institution, and field of study.
Submit Your Application
Apply today and take the next step toward your future. Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities — one student at a time.
Complete the application in full. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Have Ready Before You Start
- Current official or unofficial transcript
- Personal statement (500 words or fewer) describing your career goals and connection to the NDASA Foundation's mission
- Two letters of recommendation from a teacher, professor, employer, or community leader
- Proof of current enrollment or acceptance letter
Questions before you apply?
A quick email is faster than a rejected application. Contact jomcguire@ndasafoundation.org.
Representing an organization instead?
Scholarships support individual students. The Foundation also funds nonprofits, coalitions, first responder agencies, and research travel through our grant programs.