INIA Scholarship Program

INIA Scholarship 2023

On June 28, 2023, Vida and Alexis Garbo attended the INIA conference in Austin, TX to present the Michael Garbo Memorial INIA scholarships to three exceptional applicants who have demonstrated remarkable qualities. The Michael Garbo Foundation and INIA share a common mission of supporting students as they prepare to embark on their college journeys. Mrs. Garbo emphasized the tremendous significance of receiving a scholarship. She spoke about how Michael was not only an exceptional husband and father, but also a true legend, who loved his work every day. Alexis Garbo announced the winners:

▪Jacob Rodriguez — $1,000 scholarship
▪Graham Palmer — $1,500 scholarship
▪Grace Palmer — $2,000 scholarship

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who applied, and we encourage anyone who has a student or knows of a deserving candidate for next year's scholarship to visit the INIA website.

Grace and Graham Palmer

The first two scholarship recipients are twin siblings, Grace and Graham Palmer. Both applicants possess a genuine passion for their chosen fields in medicine and law enforcement. They showcased an incredible bond and a mutual desire to support one another. Grace expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that life has provided her. She is eager to follow in her father's footsteps and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement, much like many other members of her family. She strongly desires to utilize her knowledge and education to serve her community and country. Graham, just like Special Agent Garbo, considers himself a leader and hopes to inspire those around him. He attributes his character to the qualities instilled in him by his parents, which align perfectly with the values represented by this scholarship. Notably, he shared a sentiment that Michael himself would endorse: “My father taught me to always seek justice and do the right thing, even when no one is looking.”

Jacob Rodriguez

Our third recipient is Jacob Rodriguez, a young man with a lifelong passion for law enforcement. He will be studying criminal law and participating in the law enforcement candidate scholars program. Jacob believes that this program will equip him with the necessary skills to become a well-trained police officer who can make a positive impact in their community. He envisions himself being part of the change that will eliminate stereotypes associated with our officers in the future.

The Michael Garbo Foundation is not part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Neither the DOJ nor the DEA approves, endorses, or authorizes the Michael Garbo Foundation, its materials, or its fundraising efforts.