The Pasadena Police Officers Association Scholarship Awards Program, initiated in 1989 (with a $2,000 check donated by movie producer Brian Grazer), grew out of a desire to give something back to the community. It was decided to accomplish this by awarding scholarship funds to graduating seniors who desire a college education but need financial assistance to further their educational goals.

The Scholarship Committee established that a minimum of two awards would be given each year. This has since increased to four: two Police Awards (in the amounts of $500 and $1,000) given to dependents of current or retired police officers, and two Community Awards (in the amounts of $500 and $1,000) given to Pasadena high school seniors planning to major in the law enforcement field.