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IAFC Foundation's scholarship application deadline is June 1
Fire and emergency-service professionals who want to further their professional education can apply for educational scholarships with the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF). The Foundation provides financial assistance to emergency-services personnel for study at college level or above. The IAFC Foundation awards grants once a year, ranging from $500 to $5,000. The deadline for application is June 1, 2008.
The IAFC's Federal Military section will sponsor one of this year's awards, which will be given to a qualified applicant who is a member of the IAFC Federal Military Section or is with a federal or military department. Funding for this Federal Military Section Scholarship is made possible from the proceeds of the sale of the IAFC Federal Military section commemorative coin. If you would like to purchase these coins, contact Chief John Wentzel at jwentzel@iafc.org.
The first annual Garry L. Briese Scholarship will also be awarded this year. This scholarship fund was created and endowed last year with the generous support from the Motorola Foundation and contributions from other IAFC Foundation supporters.
"I am impressed with the depth and breadth of our applicants," said Chief William Askenstedt, IAFC Foundation board member and member of the selection committee. "I'm proud to be associated with professionals who not only support their community, but make the extra effort to advance their education."
Scholarship funds must be used to support tuition to a recognized institution of higher education. Other scholarship eligibility criteria are:
- Demonstrated proficiency within the fire service
- Active fire-service personnel who have a minimum of two years paid or three years volunteer (or a combination of paid and volunteer) service with a state, county, provincial, municipal, community, industrial or federal fire department
Fire Explorers are also eligible. Preference is given to those demonstrating need, desire, and initiative.
Last year, 13 first responders received a total of $21,500 in awards from the IAFC Foundation; unfortunately, many other highly qualified applicants had to be turned away due to lack of adequate funding. "This is the time for our current fire-service leaders to give back to our profession by educating and preparing the next generation of leaders," said Chief William D. Killen, IAFC Foundation board member and past IAFC president. "Please consider making a contribution to the IAFC Foundation Scholarship Program or sponsoring a scholarship."
For more information on how to support the Foundation or apply for a scholarship, contact Judy Kirk at jkirk@iafc.org or call 703-537-4830. Applications are available for download on www.iafc.org or www.iafcf.org.
