Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Silicon Valley Community Foundation
The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship was created to honor Police Chief Harold “Hal” Johnson and to provide financial assistance to students intending to pursue careers in policing, corrections, or related criminal justice professions. The award commemorates Hal’s 29-year career in law enforcement, which began in Sacramento, California, in 1955 following his honorable service as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He advanced rapidly in rank, becoming one of the youngest Police Captains in Southern California, and in 1970 was appointed Police Chief of the Town of Los Gatos, California, a post he held until retiring in 1983.
Following his retirement from active duty, Hal continued to contribute to the field by teaching law enforcement courses at local colleges. He was an active member of the Los Gatos Lions Club for 27 years, serving as a Past President and receiving a Life Member Award. His combined service to the Lions Club, the community, and to law enforcement extended over 46 years. This scholarship seeks applicants who reflect Hal’s commitment to public service and who demonstrate academic promise, leadership, and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a graduating high school senior, a currently enrolled undergraduate student, or a police academy cadet.
- Have attended or be attending high school within the greater San Francisco Bay Area (includes San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties).
- Hold a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student at a two‑year or four‑year college, or be a full‑time police academy cadet.
- Be a U.S. citizen (national) or a lawful permanent resident.
- Demonstrate a clear interest in and a concrete plan to pursue a career in police work, corrections, or another criminal justice field.
Additional application requirement:
- Short essay (250 words or fewer): Describe your passion for and interest in pursuing a career in police work, corrections, or other criminal justice fields. (Law school students are not eligible.)