Education can open more doors for members of the fire service. However, traditional in-person learning can be too time-consuming for volunteers who already lead busy lives.
Many volunteer responders are choosing to pursue online education, which is more convenient, allows for a flexible schedule, and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Scholarships to two NVFC members
To help more first responders achieve their educational goals, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have partnered for the 15th year to award scholarships to two NVFC members.
Each recipient will be awarded a scholarship that will cover up to 60 credit hours towards any one CSU online degree program of their choice.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a member of the NVFC. Learn about member benefits and join for just $21 at the NVFC website.
- Be a volunteer responder.
- Complete the CSU/NVFC scholarship application.
- Submit a 500-word essay on the impact this scholarship will have in your emergency services role.
- Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone at the fire department you reported to directly.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) and be able to provide a transcript.
- Be able to begin coursework within 90 days of the date of the award.
- Maintain a 2.0 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA.
- Remain in good standing with CSU and the NVFC throughout the degree program.
- Maintain continuous enrollment in the CSU degree program for the duration of the scholarship.
- Already meet these requirements to be considered if you are a current CSU student.
- Not be a previous CSU scholarship recipient.
CSU's degree programs
Scholarship recipients may pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree
CSU offers a wide range of degree programs, including fire science, fire administration, emergency medical services, emergency management, occupational safety and health, organizational leadership, and many more.
Scholarship recipients may pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
Deadline
CSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The deadline to apply is August 17. An NVFC scholarship committee will select the winners, and recipients will be announced in October 2023.