Firefighter/EMT Scholarship 2024/2025
Description
Employment as a career firefighter provides stability, structure, a second family, and the ability to give back to the community in a very real and direct way. The Foundation recognizes how important the chance at a financially stable life can be to a person who is economically disadvantaged. Because of its continued commitment to the education of Florida’s firefighters, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation has created a scholarship program that is specifically intended to provide financial support for individuals who cannot otherwise afford to attend an approved Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards and related Emergency Medical Technician certification program.
Eligible scholarship recipients must be considered at-risk and/or economically disadvantaged at the time of application. The Community scholarship applicant must be recommended, in writing, by a community leader, such as a State of Florida or local elected official, a community leader, or a Fire Chief; and must meet those established eligibility requirements to attend the college or vocational school Firefighter Minimum Standards/EMT program.
The Firefighter/EMT Scholarship may only cover the cost of tuition, books, uniforms and the rental of required protective clothing. This scholarship is intended to bridge the required cost of the program not funded by other financial assistance which is offered at the educational institution.
PLEASE NOTE: This scholarship is offered year-round, with four application cycles. The application cycles are January 1st - March 31st, April 1st - June 30th, July 1st - September 30th, and October 1st - December 31st. Awards are granted approximately one month after the end of each application cycle. This means that if you were to submit your application in February, you would find out whether you've been selected for an award in late April.
Selection Process
- Applicant must have applied for financial assistance to attend a qualified Firefighter Minimum Standards and/or EMT program at the educational institution they plan to attend.
- Must provide proof of US Citizenship at the time of application.
- Must have a High School diploma or GED.
- Must be a Florida resident
- Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License.
- Must meet all physical fitness and/or medical requirements to enter the Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards program and/or EMT program as outlined by the institution.
- Must be tobacco-free in accordance with the current Florida Statute.
- Must not have any felony or 1st-degree misdemeanor convictions.
- Must have a driving record that would not preclude employment under Florida Statute as a firefighter or EMT.
- Must meet all eligibility requirements to attend the college or vocational school in which the scholarship is awarded for Firefighter Minimum Standards/EMT.
- Must agree to, and pass, a background check.
