The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Anderson McCord as a 2026 CPOF scholarship recipient.
The son of Adam McCord, Unit Manager at Federal Correctional Institution Marianna in Florida, Anderson is continuing his education at Chipola College, where he is building the foundation for a future driven by curiosity, academic excellence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Currently completing his senior year at Poplar Springs High School while dual-enrolled at Chipola College, Anderson has already demonstrated remarkable dedication to his education. He has maintained a 4.25 weighted GPA, is projected to graduate summa cum laude, and has already completed eight college courses while balancing a full high school schedule.
In his scholarship essay, Anderson describes himself as someone with an endless curiosity about the world around him. A self-proclaimed “history and geography nerd,” he enjoys studying American history, world cultures, and geography, even joking that he may be the only person in his class who has memorized all 27 amendments to the United States Constitution and every U.S. state capital.
His interests extend far beyond the classroom. Anderson is an avid naturalist who contributes observations to iNaturalist, helping document plants and wildlife in an underrepresented region of Florida. He also enjoys gardening, fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors, always eager to learn something new about the natural world.
Academically and personally, Anderson has learned to embrace the strengths that come with living on the autism spectrum. Rather than allowing it to define his limitations, he views it as something that has helped shape his perspective, curiosity, and determination. Running has also become an important part of his life, both for his physical and mental well-being. He regularly runs between two and four miles six days a week and recently served as captain of his high school’s cross-country team, demonstrating leadership both on and off the course.
As he continues his education at Chipola College, Anderson plans to eventually transfer to either the University of West Florida or Florida State University, where he will continue pursuing his academic goals and expanding his knowledge.
Following Anderson’s scholarship award, his father shared a heartfelt letter that beautifully captures the impact CPOF has had on their family over the years:
“I would like to say thank you on behalf of the McCord family and especially our son Anderson. He was pleasantly surprised to receive the scholarship check from CPOF… As a correctional professional, I would like to say thanks for everything you do for our families. I have been at FCI Marianna since 2015, and I was there during Hurricane Michael. CPOF stepped up for us then and stepped up for my family once again. The small amount that comes out of my check is worth every penny for the great work that you do.”
Those words serve as a powerful reminder of what the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is all about. Whether providing assistance during a natural disaster or helping the children of correctional professionals pursue higher education, every program is made possible through the generosity and commitment of members who support one another.
We are honored to invest in Anderson’s future and grateful to the McCord family for allowing us to be part of their journey.
Photo caption: CPOF scholarship recipient Anderson McCord is pictured after receiving his 2026 scholarship award.