Scholarship Program

OVERVIEW

Although the WCRP provides a number of training topics and opportunities to its members, it simply can't provide all the important, specialized and relevant training pertinent to risk management for our members. To make available access to quality training, the WCRP Board of Directors has authorized a SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Please click to review Scholarship Criteria. Scholarship funds are used to pay for training. Training might include class books, online training, registration for training classes, etc. Travel, meals and accommodations are generally the county's responsibility.

Members can take advantage of this program two ways:

Pre-arranged offers listed on our website, or
By applying for a specialized training opportunity identified on your own.

Check out our pre-arranged offers below or scroll down to access the scholarship application.

PRE-ARRANGED SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

Educational opportunities listed below will not require a scholarship application, however. They do still require involvement from the designated county Risk Manager. Click the titles below to learn more about each offer and how to take advantage!

Public Safety Leadership the West Point Way | Apr 13-17, May 11-15, and Jun 8-12, 2026

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is proud to support Public Safety Leadership The West Point Way, hosted by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, by reimbursing 50% of the registration cost for up to six (6) seats membership-wide, limit two (2) per member county. Attending all 15-days is required and the risk pool will only issue partial reimbursement after the training has taken place, and only for those who complete the training. This offer covers a portion of the registration cost only and is first come, first served. Travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility.

To learn more, please review the Public Safety Leadership The West Point Way training announcement. Promise of partial reimbursements should be secured in advance! Those wishing to take advantage should reach out to their risk manager. Spots are limited and requests will be reviewed in the order received.
MRSC – Code Enforcement Strategies for Effective Nuisance Abatement | May 19, 2026

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance for Municipal Research and Services Center’s upcoming webinar Code Enforcement Strategies for Effective Nuisance Abatement, scheduled for May 19, 2026. Nuisance conditions can quickly escalate into significant public health, safety, and quality-of-life concerns for a community. This webinar provides a practical and legally grounded overview of how local jurisdictions can address nuisances through code enforcement practices. Please visit MRSC’s Training Event page to learn more!

The WCRP scholarship will cover the cost of one (1) registration per member county, which will be billed by the MRSC directly to the risk pool after the training. Please note that this offer can only be applied for one attendee and cannot be combined with multiple registrations. We ask that you please contact your county risk manager to request the scholarship discount code before registering.

Want to learn more about MRSC's services? Watch their free webinar, Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services.
MRSC – Preparing Effective Staff Reports | May 21, 2026

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance for Municipal Research and Services Center’s upcoming webinar Preparing Effective Staff Reports, scheduled for May 21, 2026. Staff reports are among the most critical documents in local government decision-making. They form a core part of the official record and provide the foundation for decisions on policies, regulations, plans, and permits. Staff reports also serve as a primary communication tool for elected officials, the public, the media, and other interested parties. This webinar will examine the essential components of a strong staff report, and offer practical guidance on how to make reports clear, well-organized, and legally defensible. Please visit MRSC’s Training Event page to learn more!

The WCRP scholarship will cover the cost of one (1) registration per member county, which will be billed by the MRSC directly to the risk pool after the training. Please note that this offer can only be applied for one attendee and cannot be combined with multiple registrations. We ask that you please contact your county risk manager to request the scholarship discount code before registering.

Want to learn more about MRSC's services? Watch their free webinar, Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services.
MRSC – BARS Coding Basics 2026: Sequim | May 27, 2026
The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance for Municipal Research and Services Center’s regional BARS Coding Basics: Sequim by paying for up to five (5) registrations membership-wide. This training session will take place in-person and is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 in Sequim, WA. If you're new to local government finance or accounting in Washington State, the BARS (Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System) can seem complex and intimidating. That's why MRSC developed this hand-on, interactive training on the basics of BARS coding, designed specifically for beginners. Through a combination of one-on-one guidance, group activities, and practical exercises, participants will learn how BARS codes are structured and how to confidently identify and apply the correct codes in real-world scenarios. Please visit MRSC’s Training Event page to learn more!
- Scholarship Offer: The WCRP if offering up to five (5) scholarships membership-wide, limited to one (1) per member, on a first come, first served basis. Please note that this offer can only be applied for one attendee and cannot be combined with multiple registrations. This offer covers the cost of registration only and travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility. We ask that you please contact your county risk manager to request the scholarship discount code before registering.
Want to learn more about MRSC's services? Watch their free webinar, Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services.
MRSC – Fundamentals of Budgeting for Local Government: Sequim | May 28, 2026
The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance for Municipal Research and Services Center’s regional Fundamentals of Budgeting for Local Government 2026: Sequim by paying for up to five (5) registrations membership-wide. This training session will take place in-person and is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 in Sequim, WA. New to budgeting for a cash-basis county in Washington? This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the local government budgeting process. Participants will explore key concepts such as fund types, BARS numbers, restricted revenues, and statutory deadlines. Through step-by-step instruction and practical examples, you’ll learn how to develop an annual budget using financial data, required forms, and available resources. The course also covers how to create a clear and informative budget document that meets legal requirements and supports decision-making. Please visit MRSC’s Training Event page to learn more!
- Scholarship Offer: The WCRP if offering up to five (5) scholarships membership-wide, limited to one (1) per member, on a first come, first served basis. Please note that this offer can only be applied for one attendee and cannot be combined with multiple registrations. This offer covers the cost of registration only and travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility. We ask that you please contact your county risk manager to request the scholarship discount code before registering.
Want to learn more about MRSC's services? Watch their free webinar, Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services.
PRIMA Annual Conference | June 7-10, 2026
The WCRP is once again offering a limited number of scholarships to attend Public Risk Management Association's (PRIMA's) Annual Conference, taking place in Fort Lauderdale, FL., June 7-10, 2026. This excellent in-person conference offers four days of educational sessions to gain critical insight and learn best practices from subject matter experts. The comprehensive educational content covers risk management fundamentals, advanced concepts, and emerging trends impacting today's public risk management professions. The conference also offers valuable networking time with colleagues from across the country who recognize the responsibilities of public sector risk managers. To learn more about the event, please click the hyperlink above.
- Scholarship Offer: Three (3) scholarships membership-wide (limited to one (1) per member county). Each scholarship will cover the cost of the early-bird group registration fee, travel costs associated with attending, lodging at the group rate for up to 4 nights, and per diem meals not provided at the event. Travel insurance, mileage to/from the airport, airport parking, and pre-reserved ride share costs would not be eligible for reimbursement by the risk pool. Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis with preference given to the member counties that have not recently been awarded this scholarship.
THE OFFER HAS BEEN MET AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Please note: The PRIMA Annual Conference is different from the PRIMA Institute, and the PRIMA Annual Conference held in June is not eligible for credit toward WCRP’s Risk Manager & Claims Administrator Certification Requirements.
MRSC – BARS Coding Basics 2026: Wenatchee | June 10, 2026
The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance for Municipal Research and Services Center’s regional BARS Coding Basics: Wenatchee by paying for up to five (5) registrations membership-wide. This training session will take place in-person and is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 in wenatchee, WA.

If you're new to local government finance or accounting in Washington State, the BARS (Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System) can seem complex and intimidating. That's why MRSC developed this hand-on, interactive training on the basics of BARS coding, designed specifically for beginners. Through a combination of one-on-one guidance, group activities, and practical exercises, participants will learn how BARS codes are structured and how to confidently identify and apply the correct codes in real-world scenarios. Please visit MRSC’s Training Event page to learn more!
- Scholarship Offer: The WCRP if offering up to five (5) scholarships membership-wide, limited to one (1) per member, on a first come, first served basis. Please note that this offer can only be applied for one attendee and cannot be combined with multiple registrations. This offer covers the cost of registration only and travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility. We ask that you please contact your county risk manager to request the scholarship discount code before registering.
Want to learn more about MRSC's services? Watch their free webinar, Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services.
MRSC – Fundamentals of Budgeting for Local Government: Wenatchee | June 11, 2026
The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance for Municipal Research and Services Center’s regional Fundamentals of Budgeting for Local Government 2026: Wenatchee by paying for up to five (5) registrations membership-wide. This training session will take place in-person and is scheduled for Thursday, June 11 in Wenatchee, WA.

New to budgeting for a cash-basis county in Washington? This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the local government budgeting process. Participants will explore key concepts such as fund types, BARS numbers, restricted revenues, and statutory deadlines. Through step-by-step instruction and practical examples, you’ll learn how to develop an annual budget using financial data, required forms, and available resources. The course also covers how to create a clear and informative budget document that meets legal requirements and supports decision-making. Please visit MRSC’s Training Event page to learn more!
- Scholarship Offer: The WCRP if offering up to five (5) scholarships membership-wide, limited to one (1) per member, on a first come, first served basis. Please note that this offer can only be applied for one attendee and cannot be combined with multiple registrations. This offer covers the cost of registration only and travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility. We ask that you please contact your county risk manager to request the scholarship discount code before registering.
Want to learn more about MRSC's services? Watch their free webinar, Making Your Job Easier with MRSC's Services.
Command Presence Training – Report Writing & Testimony for Corrections | June 11, 2026

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to attend Report Writing & Testimony for Corrections training, hosted by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, by paying for up to twenty (20) seats membership-wide. This offer covers the registration cost only, while travel/meal costs associated with this training will be the county's responsibility.

Strong report writing is essential in correctional work, especially when documenting incidents or preparing information that may later be used in investigations or court. This course helps participants strengthen their ability to write clear, accurate, and defensible reports that hold up under scrutiny.

Who should attend? Officers, lieutenants, captains, probation and parole staff, wardens, and other correctional professionals will all benefit from strengthening their documentation and communication skills.

To learn more, please review the Report Writing & Testimony for Corrections training flyer. This particular offer will not need risk manager approval, and those interested should reach out to MemberServices@wcrp.wa.gov for availability. Scholarships are available first come, first served, so don’t wait to secure your spot!
PTS – 21st Century Sergeants’ Academy | September 21-25, 2026

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is supporting member attendance to the upcoming 21st Century Sergeants’ Academy, hosted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, by paying for up to five (5) seats membership-wide, limit one (1) per member county. Police Training Solutions will bill the risk pool directly, and students must complete the training to avoid repaying WCRP for the paid tuition. This offer covers the cost of registration only and travel/meal expenses associated with this training will be the county's responsibility.

To learn more, please review the21st Century Sergeants’ Academy announcement. Those wishing to take advantage of the offer will need to follow the registration instructions within the linked announcement. Scholarships are available first come, first served, so don’t wait to secure your spot!
NIJO JAILCON Regional Conference
The Washington Counties Risk Pool is proud to support member attendance to one (1) of the upcoming National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) JAILCON Regional Training Conferences by paying for up to three (3) seats membership-wide, limit one (1) per member county.
- Eligibility: Only those who have earned their NIJO Professional Certification and have received their jail commander's approval may apply. Learn more about certification by visiting NIJO's Professional Certification page, and learn about WCRP support by expanding the pre-arranged offer under this one!
- Scholarship Offer: Three (3) scholarships membership-wide (limited to one (1) per member county). Each scholarship will cover the cost of attendee registration, hotel accommodation at the group rate for four (4) nights, and transportation (coach airfare and ground transport to/from the event hotel/airport). Travel insurance, airport parking, and mileage costs associated with attending this event are not included and will be the county's responsibility.
- How to Apply: Please have your jail commander complete the WCRP Pre-Arranged Scholarship Request Form and send it to the county risk manager, along with proof of Professional Certification. The risk manager will submit the completed form and proof of certification to the risk pool for consideration. The WCRP Member Services Team will convey scholarship determination and next steps to the jail commander, the applicant, and the risk manager.
NIJO Professional Certifications

The Washington Counties Risk Pool is very pleased to support members achieving professional certification through the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) by paying for their certification application.

The National Institute for Jail Operations developed the Professional Certification Program in response to the need to provide a respected national certification for individuals looking for a process that involved legal-based curriculum by an organization which supports and defends their agencies' worthy goals and objectives. NIJO Professional Certification is a professional designation – earned not issued – for jail and detention officers, supervisors, administrators, and sheriffs who have demonstrated to possess the requisite understanding, knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities to function to a specific level.

NIJO provides three distinct levels of professional certification for individuals seeking career development and advancement in their field. To learn how the certifications are earned, please visit the NIJO's Professional Certification page.

National Certified Corrections Officer (NCCO)
National Certified Corrections Supervisor (NCCS)
National Certified Corrections Executive (NCCE)

Those ready to apply for their professional certification should contact Haley Gardner (hgardner@jailtraining.org) or Rebecca Moltz-Sandhu (agencydevelopment@jailtraining.org) with NIJO prior to completing an online application so NIJO can bill the WCRP for the application cost. Learn more about each certification level and how to apply by clicking the corresponding links above.

Successfully completing the NIJO's Detention And Corrections Online Training Academy (DACOTA) courses qualifies toward professional certification! Find out if your agency already has access to this valuable online training. If your agency does not have access, make sure your jail commander knows about the WCRP's DACOTA reimbursement program!
NIJO Online Corrections Training
Sid Heal Tactical Command College - Module 1 Tactical Leadership

The National Tactical Officer's Association's (NTOA) Sid Heal Tactical Command College is comprised of three modules, totaling 562 hours of training. WCRP is offering a limited number of scholarships to cover the cost of registration in the amount of $1,745 for the first module, Tactical Leadership (186 hours). To learn more about Sid Heal Tactical Command College, please visit: www.ntoa.org/academy.

The WCRP scholarship will cover the cost of registration for the Tactical Leadership program only, and the offer is limited to five scholarships throughout the entire WCRP membership on a first come first served basis. If interested in this offer, we ask that you please contact your county risk manager.
Summit Law Group - Annual Subscription Discounts for Employment Law Webinars

Summit Law Group offers live Employment Law webinars that are also now available on-demand! The WCRP will be offering 50% reimbursement of the annual subscription cost (not to exceed $1,000 per member). Members would first pay Summit Law Group and then request 50% reimbursement from the pool. We ask that reimbursement requests be submitted to WCRP by the county risk manager. Contact us to learn more about this offer or to seek reimbursement. No application required!

To learn more about pricing and to view the webinar schedule, please visit the Summit Law Group Webinar webpage.

Did you identify a risk management related training opportunity you're interested in that is not already listed on our website? Apply for scholarship funds today!

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete the WCRP Scholarship Application.pdf
Obtain course description, date, cost of enrollment, and location details
Send the application and supporting documentation to your county Risk Manager
The county Risk Manager submits the application to MemberServices@wcrp.wa.gov
The application and materials will be reviewed within 14 business days
WCRP will correspond with the county Risk Manager, to include questions and the final decision

Questions? Please contact us by emailing MemberServices@wcrp.wa.gov.

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