About the Program
The Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Outstanding Service Award provides up to $50,000 for federal and institutional educational loan repayment to eligible assistant prosecuting attorneys currently practicing in the State of Missouri who are committed to a career in public service.
The purpose of the Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Outstanding Service Award is to recognize the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated leadership through outstanding public service and criminal prosecution who aspire to remain in public service long-term. Established in 2018, by a former prosecuting attorney, this opportunity recognizes the importance of the dedication of those committed to public service and this essential aspect of the law by providing financial assistance to prosecutors who have a desire to remain in the field long term.
- The amount of the award will be equal to the recipient’s current student loan balance or $50,000, whichever is the lower amount. Student loans from any level of post-secondary education are considered.
- The award will be paid in equal payments directly to the federal or institutional loan provider over five years, if eligibility requirements continue to be met.
- Loan repayment is considered income for tax purposes. An IRS Form 1099-Misc. will be issued to the recipient. The award recipient is responsible for all applicable taxes.
Eligibility
- An applicant must be a Missouri full-time (32 hours/week or more) currently practicing assistant prosecuting attorney, assistant circuit attorney, or assistant attorney general engaged in prosecution, with at least three years of experience as a prosecutor.
- Recipients must maintain continuous licensing and be employed full time to prosecute criminal or juvenile delinquency cases.
- Prosecuting attorneys currently in default on their student loans will not be considered.
- Elected prosecutors are not eligible.
Application
To apply, the first three listed application materials must be sent as pdf attachments in one message to scholarships@stlgives.org at the St. Louis Community Foundation (see application for due date):
- Fully completed and signed application. Note: To verify financial information, a copy of your federal tax return or other information may be requested;
- An essay that addresses the items discussed in the application;
- The other materials referenced in the application;
- Two letters of reference (provide each with a copy of the included form):
- one from a supervisor or attorney who has had professional experience with your work, and
- one from a colleague, judge, victim advocate, elected prosecutor, or another attorney who has had professional experience with your work.
- Letters of reference should be mailed or e-mailed separately, directly from the writer. Letters of reference must be received by the application deadline.
Selection Criteria
The applicant will be evaluated on the strength of the essay and letters of reference.
Recipients will be selected based upon a balancing of the following criteria:
- outstanding character and integrity,
- quality of work,
- leadership,
- the ideals and best practices as an attorney, including high ethical standards,
- a continuing commitment to public service,
- contributions to community, legal profession and the protection of victim’s rights, and
- financial need in the form of outstanding student loan debt.
To Maintain Eligibility
Once awarded, a Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Outstanding Service Award recipient must annually submit a renewal form (provided with award letter) to certify current position and employer, loan balance, service provider(s), and current contact information. The renewal form should be submitted during the month of September in each of the four years following the initial award. Failure to provide the form by midnight on September 30 will result in forfeiture of remaining support.
Award Distribution
For recipients who maintain eligibility determined through the annual renewal application and verification process, one-fifth of the award amount (not to exceed the recipient’s student loan balance) will be distributed by December 31 each year directly to the loan provider(s).
- The Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Outstanding Service Award Fund is a component fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation and the loan repayment program is administered by the Foundation. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, gender, age, color, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability. Final decisions on eligibility, selection, and award amount will be determined by the St. Louis Community Foundation.