Volunteer first responders balance demanding schedules, making it challenging to pursue personal goals like higher education.
Fortunately, online learning offers greater flexibility, helping emergency services personnel advance their education while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Two educational scholarships
To support volunteer responders in reaching their academic goals, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Columbia Southern University (CSU) are once again partnering to offer two educational scholarships.
Now in its 17th year, the program will award two NVFC members a scholarship covering up to 60 credit hours towards any one online CSU degree program of their choice. The scholarship will be applied directly to tuition and is valid for up to three years or until degree completion, whichever comes first.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a current member of the NVFC. Learn about member benefits and join for just $24 at the website.
- Be a volunteer responder.
- Complete the scholarship application.
- Submit a 500-word essay on the impact this scholarship will have on the emergency services role.
- Provide at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or someone at the fire department they 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 enrolment in the CSU degree program for the duration of the scholarship.
- Already meet these requirements to be considered if they are a current CSU student.
- Not be a previous CSU scholarship recipient.
CSU’s wide range of degree programs
Scholarship recipients can select from CSU’s wide range of degree programs, including fire science
Scholarship recipients can 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 more.
Degree options include associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. CSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
NVFC Scholarship Committee
The scholarship application period is open from May 15 through August 17. An NVFC Scholarship Committee will review applications and select the recipients.
Winners will be announced in October 2025, and all applicants will be notified of the decision by email.
