Volunteer first responders lead busy lives, which can make it difficult to pursue personal goals such as higher education. However, with online education becoming more readily available, emergency services personnel are finding it easier to achieve their learning goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
To help more responders further their education with the benefits of online learning, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have partnered for the 16th year to provide scholarships to two NVFC members. Each recipient will be awarded a scholarship that will cover up to 60 credit hours towards any one CSU 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.
Scholarship recipients will be able to select from CSU’s 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 18. An NVFC scholarship committee will select the winners, and recipients will be announced in October 2024.
Learn more about this scholarship opportunity and apply on the CSU web site. For questions, please email the scholarship liaison at [email protected] or call 888-785-3006.
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About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education for 30 years, CSU was established to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more. NVFC members and their families receive a 10% discount on tuition.
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.
