26 Aug 2010
Columbia Southern University has teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council to offer scholarships

Columbia Southern University (CSU) has teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to offer two two-year scholarships to members of the NVFC to attend CSU.

This is the second year that CSU has offered scholarships to NVFC members. One scholarship will be awarded towards a Bachelor’s Degree and the other for an Associate’s Degree.

"We thank CSU for making this scholarship opportunity possible for our members,” said NVFC Executive Director Heather Schafer. “CSU offers a variety of degree programs in a format that is compatible with the schedule of a volunteer firefighter. First responders can get a quality education while balancing the responsibilities of the fire service, full-time jobs, and family. We are excited to partner with this prestigious institution to help first responders earn their degrees.”

CSU is a premier online university for distance learning, offering a wide range of accredited degree programs, open enrolment, and a flexible schedule designed to accommodate your busy life. Students can choose from online Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctoral, or Certificate programs in a variety of fields including fire science, business administration, criminal justice administration, human resource management, and more.

The recipients of the two scholarships will be selected through a competitive process


The recipients of the two scholarships will be selected through a competitive application process and can use the scholarship towards any of the fields of study offered by CSU. Interested candidates must submit a completed scholarship application form, two letters of recommendation, and an up to 500 word essay on this subject: "The Importance of This Scholarship to My Personal, Professional, and/or Educational Growth, and How It Will Benefit My Current or Future Involvement in the Volunteer Fire Service."

Application packets must be received by October 10. Application forms and criteria are available at the NVFC website.

CSU offers all NVFC members a 10 percent tuition discount and waived application fee. Spouses and children of NVFC members are also eligible for these special benefits. Learn more here.