Enter to Win an NVFC Scholarship to Columbia Southern University
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 now choosing to pursue online education, which is more convenient, allows for a flexible schedule, and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
• Be a member of the NVFC. Learn about member benefits and join for just $21 at www.nvfc.org/join.
• 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 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. 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.
Learn more about this scholarship opportunity and apply on the CSU website. For questions, please email the scholarship liaison at [email protected] or call 888-785-3006.
About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience for today’s adult learner. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/join.
