When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the family must adjust to life without their loved one, who often was the primary breadwinner. Many grieving spouses are left to care for children without sufficient financial assistance. To support their families, they need additional job skills or education. Children left without a parent need to know they still have a chance to attain their educational dreams.

In 1992, the U. S. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Our mission is to honor all fallen firefighters and to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. One way we do this is by offering spouses and children the opportunity to pursue their personal, educational and career goals through the Foundation's scholarship programs.

Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial are eligible to apply for assistance. Scholarships are awarded for undergraduate and graduate studies, vocational-technical training, and certification and job training programs. They may be used for study at in-state or out-of-state public and private schools.

Since 1997, the Foundation and its partners have awarded 562 scholarships totaling over $1,000,000 to spouses, children, and stepchildren of fallen firefighters from 34 states. Fields of study for the recipients have ranged from Accounting to Auto Mechanics, and from Fire Science to Elementary Education.

• Spouse, life partner, child, or stepchild of a fallen firefighter honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Children must currently be under the age of 30 AND have been under the age of 22 at the time of their firefighter's death.
• High school diploma or equivalency or in the final year of high school.
• Currently pursuing or planning to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies, a certification program or job skills training at an accredited institution.
• Currently enrolled or planning to enroll as a full- or part-time student.

• Academic standing
• Statement of Interest including personal, academic and career goals as well as involvement in extracurricular activities, including community and volunteer activities
• Two letters of recommendation; at least one from a member of the fire service. If this is not possible, please attach an explanation.

» Download: Application for All Scholarship Programs
(Applications must be received and postmarked by April 1.)