Online course format makes learning achievable even for those with busy schedules 
CSU has partnered with the NVFC to offer scholarships to NVFC members
Have you been wanting to get your Bachelor's or Associate's Degree but felt the economic climate and demands on your time made it impossible? Or were you hoping to attend college in the fall but faced concerns about financing your higher education? The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have teamed up to help you achieve your goals. CSU is offering two two-year scholarships for NVFC members to attend this premier online university, including tuition and textbooks.
CSU offers a wide range of accredited degree programs in a variety of fields, including fire science, business administration, criminal justice administration, human resource management, and more. With its distance learning format, open enrollment, flexible schedule, and self-paced programs, earning a degree is achievable for those with even the busiest schedules.
NVFC members can apply for one of two CSU scholarships - one towards a Bachelor's Degree and the other towards an Associate's Degree. Both scholarships are for two years, saving the recipients thousands in tuition costs. If you are not already an NVFC member, join today at www.nvfc.org/membership. Personal Membership is only $30, and all NVFC members, their spouses, and children receive a 10 percent tuition discount and application fee waiver from CSU.
"We are extremely excited to partner with Columbia Southern University to offer these two scholarship opportunities to our members," said NVFC Executive Director Heather Schafer. "Volunteer firefighters have many time constraints as they juggle the fire service, full-time jobs, family, and other responsibilities. Many of these dedicated individuals want to pursue a degree but simply don't have the time. Columbia Southern University is designed for people with busy schedules and works with them to ensure they can fit a quality education around all of their other commitments."
To apply, simply 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 June 15, 2009. Application forms and criteria are available at www.nvfc.org/csu.
