Captain Robert M. Patton
Scholarship Award
In 1993, ABLE established a scholarship program in honor of Captain Robert M. Patton, the first African American to attain the rank of captain in the Illinois State Police (District 15) and in the nation. Each year, ABLE offers academic scholarships to rising students who have the desire to attend a college, university, trade school, or any other accredited educational institution as a full-time student.
2025 Captain Robert M. Patton Scholarship
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, provide a copy of their transcripts with a wallet size photograph and are required to submit a three-page essay response to one of the four questions provided. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2025. The application packet has to be postmarked by the stated submission deadline. The award recipients will be announced on January 2, 2026. Scholarship winners will be publicized.
Donate to the robert m. patton scholarship
All proceeds will be used to fund the Robert M. Patton Scholarship awards. Click here to Donate
Be the Change...Join ISP!
The Illinois State Police is now accepting applications for the Trooper position. Visit www.illinoistrooper.com to learn more and complete the online application.