The James Torkar Educational Scholarship Program application period is open from Nov. 1, 2017 through April 1, 2018 for dependent children of active NTOA "Individual" members.

The National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) announced that the James Torkar Educational Scholarship Program application period is now open through April 1, 2018. This program benefits dependent children of members with active NTOA "Individual" memberships that are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens. It provides funding for college tuition and other eligible expenses, such as room and board, required books, required supplies, required equipment, mandatory fees and / or special needs services.

For the 2017/2018 Scholarship period, two, $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to each region: Eastern, Central and Western.

Scholarships may be awarded one of two ways:

The creation and funding of an IRS 529 College Savings Plan.Direct payment to the educational institution.

Under current IRS regulations, a 529 plan fund grows tax-free from federal income tax and when used for qualified higher educational expenses may be withdrawn free from federal income taxes. The NTOA Educational Scholarships will be awarded with a parent or duly appointed guardian as the owner and the dependent child as the beneficiary.

Any active "Individual" member may sponsor a child of a deceased NTOA member for a scholarship. Family members of NTOA employees and directors are not eligible for this award. A nominated individual may only win one NTOA scholarship.

Nearly all colleges, universities, community colleges, law, medical or business schools qualify. Many career or technical schools are eligible. The school must be eligible to participate in the federal financial aid programs. The National Tactical Officers Association is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Additional questions may be emailed to scholarships@ntoa.org or call 800-279-9127.

For more information on the National Tactical Officers Association, visit www.ntoa.org .