Kiki Camarena Scholarship
Honoring Sacrifice. Investing in the Future.
Annual Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Scholarship
The California Narcotics Officer's Association (CNOA) Region VII Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Scholarship Fund was established to assist CNOA members and their dependents with the opportunity to attend a college or university.
The number of these $500 scholarships awarded shall be determined by the CNOA Region VII Executive Board. This scholarship was established in memory of former Fresno DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena and is meant to serve as a living memorial to Agent Camarena.
About Enrique "Kiki" Camarena
Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena was a DEA Special Agent who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in Guadalajara, Mexico in February 1985 while working undercover to dismantle one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in history.
Agent Camarena's sacrifice led to major reforms in U.S.-Mexico drug enforcement cooperation and inspired the creation of Red Ribbon Week, now the nation's largest drug prevention program.
His legacy lives on through the dedication of narcotic officers across California and the nation who continue his mission to protect communities from the devastation of drug trafficking.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be a dependent of a current CNOA Region VII member.
- Applicant must be a senior in high school and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Transcripts are to be submitted with the application. Transcripts do not have to be sealed; a copy is fine.
- Applicant must be enrolled in or have an application pending at a college or university. In the event an applicant does not enter a college or university in the year the scholarship is awarded, he/she shall reimburse said award back to CNOA Region VII.
- Applicant shall submit two (2) forms of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or employer with knowledge of the applicant. Persons submitting recommendations may not be related to the applicant.
- Applicant shall submit a current photograph (2x3 preferred) with their application.
Eligible Counties
Selection of Scholarship Recipients
The CNOA Region VII Chairperson shall act as the committee chairperson for the Region VII Scholarship Fund. The chairperson shall select two additional members to comprise a committee that shall review the submitted applications and select the recipients based on the following criteria:
The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the CNOA Region VII Executive Board. The CNOA Region VII Scholarship Fund does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, or religion in the selection of applicants for the scholarship awards.
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Confirm you are a dependent of a current CNOA Region VII member, a high school senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Gather Documents
Collect your transcripts, a current 2x3 photo, and two recommendation letters from a teacher, counselor, or employer (not a relative).
Complete Application
Fill out all sections of the application form below including financial statement, academic info, extracurricular activities, and community service.
Complete Application by May 15th
Complete the application below by May 15th with all supporting documents including transcripts, photo, and two recommendation letters.
How the Scholarship is Funded
The Kiki Camarena Scholarship is funded entirely through proceeds from the Annual Kiki Camarena Memorial Golf Tournament and donations from our generous community partners. Every round of golf played, every sponsorship secured, and every donation made goes directly toward supporting the education of law enforcement families in our region.
Scholarship Application
Complete all sections below and submit. Your application will be sent directly to CNOA Region VII for review. Remember to also mail your transcripts, photo, and two recommendation letters by May 15th.
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Memorial Scholarship
CNOA Region VII — Central Valley & Eastern Sierra · $500 Award