First responders play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and secure. These dedicated individuals put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve others. However, the demanding nature of their jobs can make it challenging for them to pursue higher education. That’s why scholarships specifically designed for first responder students are essential. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 9 scholarships that can help first responders achieve their academic goals and continue to make a positive impact in their communities. From firefighters to police officers, EMTs to paramedics, these scholarships are available for all types of first responders. Let’s take a look at the opportunities that await these brave individuals.
Children of Heroes Scholarship – Unspecified
Offered by the First Responders Children’s Foundation in partnership with Scooter Braun and SB Projects, the Children of Heroes Scholarship was established in 2022 to help support children of first responders and medical personnel directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year, over an eight-year period, three students will be awarded the scholarship. The award can be applied towards tuition, fees, room and board (when listed on a student’s tuition bill) that are not already covered by financial aid and other scholarships. Students may apply for the scholarship when they are entering their freshman year or as sophomores, juniors, or seniors. The scholarship will only cover the remaining years of undergraduate studies though. Applicants must be children of first responders and medical personnel who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, leadership, volunteerism, and participation in co-curricular activities. Children of first responders who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will be given priority. While all students are welcome to apply, the sponsors “strongly encourage students majoring in business and entrepreneurship to apply.”
First Responders Children’s Foundation College Scholarships – Up to $6,250 per year
The First Responders Children’s Foundation College Scholarships are awarded to the children of first responders who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Applicants must be the biological, adopted, or step-child of a police officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic or 911 dispatcher; be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certificate in an accredited institution; be enrolled as a full-time student during the academic year; and meet a minimum of 2.7 GPA out of 4.0
Victoria Ovis Memorial Scholarship – $2,000
Offered by the First Responders Children’s Foundation, the Victoria Ovis Memorial Scholarship is a one-time $2,000 award open to the children of law enforcement officers who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Applicants must reside and attend school in New York State or the New York metropolitan area. The scholarship does not require a declared major, but preference will be given to eligible candidates majoring in criminology or pre-law.
Vincent Bennett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship – $20,000 (over 4 years)
The First Responders Children’s Foundation offers the Vincent Bennett Jr. Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman who is the child of a law enforcement officer or firefighter, who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Students who are majoring in engineering are given preference for the award, but it is available to students of all majors.
Fire Family Foundation Scholarships – $5,000
The Fire Family Foundation offers 10 $5,000 scholarships to the children of firefighters every year. Applicants must be the biological or adopted child of any active, retired or fallen firefighter within the United States; be a senior in high school or over the age of 16 with a GED, or currently enrolled in a community college, university as an undergraduate or trade school; have a current minimum 3.2 GPA; be under the age of 26; and be either a candidate for an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university, or a full-time or part-time student at an educational organization that is nationally accredited and legally authorized to offer the educational program, including vocational schools.
MedEvac Foundation International’s Children’s Scholarship – $5,000
The MedEvac Foundation International, an international nonprofit organization that supports academic research studies and education programs relating to medical care and medical transportation, offers a $5,000 Children’s Scholarship. The scholarship is open to children who have lost a parent or had a parent seriously injured in an air medical or critical care ground transport accident. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school, and be a dependent of a medical transport crew member (parents, step-parents, legal guardians, or grandparents who had a significant role in raising the applicant) who lost their life due to an air medical or critical care transport accident.
W.H. ‘Howie’ McClennan Scholarship – $2,500
Offered by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the W.H. “Howie” McClennan Scholarship helps to fund the undergraduate education of sthe ons, daughters or legally adopted children of firefighters killed in the line of duty. Applicants must plan to attend a university, accredited college, or school of higher learning in the United States and/or Canada. Scholarships are worth $2,500 per year but can be renewed for up to four years.
MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund – Up to $10,000
The MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund (formerly, the Public Employee Memorial Scholarship) is annually awarded to the children and spouses of deceased employees who worked in education, health care, not-for-profit, public safety, local or state government who died while in service to their community. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll or students who are already enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire academic year, and they must provide a letter from the deceased family member’s place of work.
Mike Rowe Scholarship – Varies
Mike Rowe, who served as an apprentice on the TV series “Dirty Jobs,” created the Work Ethic Scholarship Program to promote skilled labor. Awarded through his mikeroweWORKS Foundation, the scholarships are intended to encourage students to learn a useful skill. In 2022, the foundation awarded a total of $1.5 million in work ethic scholarships to 250 recipients. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled or plan to enroll in an approved trade program at an accredited two-year college, vocational or technical school, sign the S.W.E.A.T. (“Skills and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) Pledge, answer four questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge, make a video, submit two references from a teacher or a supervisor, verify their school costs, provide a transcript, and submit the most recent Form 1040 tax form.
In conclusion, the journey to finding the perfect scholarship doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re just beginning your search or looking to expand your options, our comprehensive scholarship directory offers a wide range of opportunities catering to diverse academic interests and backgrounds. For a more personalized approach, consider leveraging the power of TUN AI, our innovative tool designed to match you with scholarships uniquely suited to your profile. Start exploring today and take a step closer to securing the financial support you need for your educational journey.