Forrest & Burt Scholarship 

In 1987, Palo Alto Police Department Officers Alana Forrest and Lacey Burt, decided to coordinate a small gathering of women at a downtown hotel restaurant to discuss issues related to women in law enforcement. In 1993, Sergeants Burt and Forrest hosted yet another gathering, which was more of a networking and “support group” for women in law enforcement. In 2004, the duo expanded the horizon and held a more formal workshop, including a police panel of women executives. They expected about 40 women to come, but soon reached over 125! This clearly validated the tremendous need for women in law enforcement to come together, hear each others' stories in support of one another, train, trade contact information, and create bonds. Today, the capacity of venues continues to be the limitation of the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement (WLLE) conference, which is now organized by the California Police Chiefs’ Association on an annual basis.

The Forrest-Burt scholarship was founded in 2022 as the first scholarship opportunity created by the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Foundation Board. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide the opportunity for women police leaders of any rank to attend the annual conference by covering the cost of registration fees and accommodations.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements as specified in the application. In addition, the applicant should demonstrate their dedication and commitment to the profession of policing, their vision for the advancement of women in the profession, and how attendance at the WLLE Conference will enhance that vision for them, fellow officers, and policing professionals, as well as the community they serve.

To apply, please complete your application no later than May 31st, 2024. As part of your application, you will need to submit the following:

  • Supporting Documents

    • Qualifying Statement (500 words or less) How have you demonstrated initiative and leadership qualities within your profession? And how have you contributed to the success of the profession?

    • SHEro Statement (500 words or less) In your own words, how have you served as a role model for others in your profession, and how would this scholarship enhance your ability to do so?

    • Signed Recommendation Form to be completed by a sworn Law Enforcement Manager or Administrator who is familiar with your work.