Scholarships for Firefighters
Funding From All Over
In communities across the United States there are volunteer and professional firefighters associations. One of the most celebrated service careers translates into a wealth of scholarship potential. While most of the scholarships here are more modest than others, nevertheless they are funded through the generosity of local donors and community organizations all that lend their support for their local firefighters.
If you’re shopping for a fireman’s scholarship then it must mean you are either already working as a firefighter or are passionately interested in working in the field. Besides working as a firefighter there are other opportunities in the field as fire investigators, fire engineers and in fire technology and science.
National
To apply for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) scholarships you must be a volunteer or professional firefighter with a couple of years experience under your belt. The IAFC makes scholarships a significant part of its mission. Applicants must be pursuing a program of study in fire science or a closely related field. Awards are up to $4,000.
Regional
The Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association offers the J. R. Haines Memorial Scholarship for members who are enrolling degree programs in fire science or a closely related major at a college or university. Awards are up to $1,000.
Local
The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland sponsors the F. Michael Sacca Scholarship in memory of one of their own who demonstrated dedication to the field. The award amount is $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in the field of firefighting and be enrolling in a Fire Science degree program at a college or university.
The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association sponsors generous scholarships for firefighters who are interested in going back to school for a degree or certification in a fire science area. Awards are as much as $2,000 and are based on professional motivation and financial need.
The South Carolina Firefighters Association provides scholarships for members interested in pursuing further certifications or degree programs that are related to the firefighting field.
Students pursing fire science or fire technology programs in Nebraska have two options for scholarships:
- Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter’s Association provides up to $750. Selection is made based on academic merit and financial need.
- Nebraska Fire Chief’s Association offers $500 to students based on similar criteria.
Often even small city firemen’s associations offer scholarships, many in memory of one of their own. For example, the City of Fond du Lac Fire Department in Wisconsin offers the Josh Polhamus Scholarship for those interested in heading off to a fire science, fire engineering or other related program of study. Awards up to $500.
Besides these scholarships you should check with your local fire department or state fire associations for other scholarships.
