2026 Scholarship Program Open May 15 - June 15
Beginning May 15, the ATFA Foundation’s annual scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will officially open.
ATFA scholarship opportunities include the Waco Memorial Scholarship, honoring Special Agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert J. Williams, and Steven D. Willis, as well as the John Bost Memorial Scholarship.
These scholarships reflect the ATFA Foundation’s commitment to supporting the educational goals of our ATF family while honoring the legacy and sacrifice of those remembered through these memorial awards.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants MUST meet the following criteria:
- Be the child or grandchild of a current or retired ATF employee
- AND be a current dues-paying member of the ATF Association
- Please NOTE: Membership in the ATF Association Facebook page alone DOES NOT satisfy this requirement.
- Be registered to attend a career-track college/university or technical education program in the Fall 2026 semester
- Previous scholarship recipients are not eligible
Application Information
- All application materials must be the original work of the applicant
- The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in writing any portion of the applicant essays is not permitted
- Applicants are encouraged to speak with family members and conduct independent research to better understand the significance of the memorial scholarships and the people the scholarships honor
- Applications will be blindly reviewed and scored by Waco veterans and associates of SA John Bost to ensure fairness and minimize bias
- Applications will be accepted through June 15
We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to further their education while honoring the memory and legacy of those who have made a lasting impact on the ATF family.
ATF ASSOCIATION / FOUNDATION Annual LeBleu, McKeehan, Williams & Willis Memorial Scholarship
Background: On February 28, 1993, Special Agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert J. Williams and Steven D. Willis were part of a large, specially trained and well-disciplined force of ATF special agents from the Dallas, Houston and New Orleans Field Divisions assigned to execute federal warrants at the Branch Davidian Compound. When the agents arrived, the fanatical, heavily armed cult members were waiting to ambush the agents as they disembarked from their vehicles. LeBleu, McKeehan, Williams and Willis were killed. Twenty ATF agents were wounded from gunshots or shrapnel, and eight suffered other injuries.
[Source: https://www.atf.gov/our-history/fallen-agents]
In keeping with the pledge to never forget our fallen brothers and sisters and with the stated objectives of the ATF Association Foundation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors are pleased to announce the establishment of the LeBleu, McKeehan, Williams & Willis Scholarship recognizing the ultimate sacrifices made by ATF Special Agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert J. Williams and Steven D. Willis at the Branch Davidian Compound located near Waco, Texas, on February 28, 1993.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE LEBLEU, MCKEEHAN, WILLIAMS & WILLIS SCHOLARSHIP:
Eligibility: MUST be a child or grandchild of a current or retired ATF employee AND be a current dues-paying member of the ATF Association (To join the ATF Association, click to view the ATFA Member Application)
Application: The submitted essay must be the original work and the applicant's own words. We encourage applicants to speak with family and conduct research regarding the subject matter. Use of artificial intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.) or similar document generators is prohibited. Applicants who were previously awarded an ATF Association scholarship are not eligible.
Deadline for applying: The deadline for applications is June 15, 2026. Applications submitted after June 15 will not be accepted.
Award Process: Applications will be reviewed by an ATFA WACO Scholarship Review Committee. The awardee(s) will be selected based on the quality of the responses provided to the questions posed. Awardees will be notified of their selection and scholarship presentations made in-person.
APPLY HERE |
The John Bost III Memorial Scholarship Application
John graduated from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte in 2000 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He put his new degree to immediate use as a police officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) from 2000 to 2006. Subsequently he became a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2006. In 2015, Special Agent Bost was assigned as the sole ATF Special Agent in Maui, Hawaii, where he was embedded with the Maui Police Department (MPD). Tragically, in 2020, Special Agent Bost lost his life while serving on duty at the MPD Kihei District Office.
To preserve Special Agent Bost’s legacy and honor his commitment to public safety, the Bost Family has established the John Bost III Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide a $1,500 scholarship to children of current sworn law enforcement officers from the CMPD, MPD, and ATF or children of officers/agents who have died before retirement due to hostile action, accident, or illness.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE JOHN BOOST III MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
Eligibility: MUST be a child or grandchild of a current or retired ATF employee AND be a current dues-paying member of the ATF Association (To join the ATF Association, click to view the ATFA Member Application)
Application: The submitted essay must be the original work and the applicant's own words. We encourage applicants to speak with family and conduct research regarding the subject matter. Use of artificial intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.) or similar document generators is prohibited. Applicants who were previously awarded an ATF Association scholarship are not eligible.
Deadline for applying: The deadline for applications is June 15, 2026. Applications submitted after June 15 will not be accepted.
Award Process: Three awards will be made available yearly: One to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD applicant, one to a Maui PD applicant, and one to an ATF applicant. Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship evaluation panel. The awardee(s) will be selected based on the quality of responses provided to the essay question.
APPLY HERE |
ABOUT THE ATF ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION:
[http://www.atfafoundation.org]
What is the ATF Association Foundation?
The ATF Association Foundation is a tax-exempt IRS 501 (c) (3), charitable organization. As a public charity, it can accept donations from individuals and/or corporations.
Who established the ATF Association Foundation?
The foundation was established by the ATF Association (ATFA), a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of Iowa, consisting of former and current employees of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2012. [www.atfassociation.org].
Why does the ATF Association Foundation exist?
The Foundation was established to provide aid and financial assistance to ATFA members in need, as well as survivors of members in times of stress, financial difficulty or impoverishment. The Foundation also aids dependents of deceased law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the enforcement of federal, state or local laws. In addition, scholarships may be offered to members and the children and grandchildren of members based on financial need, academic achievement and leadership qualities, however, none of the criteria is weighed more than another by the Foundation’s board members in determining grants.
How can YOU help the ATF Association Foundation?
Contributions and donations are the keys to its mission and continued success. Funds are needed to respond to a need which may arise suddenly without warning and to sustain the Foundation’s scholarship program. To donate, check may be made payable to: ATFA Foundation, c/o AJ Lugo, 2450 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 150-198, Flower Mound, TX 75022 or by going to: https://www.atfafoundation.org/