Emmitsburg, MD – It’s not unusual for the surviving spouses or life partners of fallen firefighters to want to advance or change their career path as they begin rebuilding their lives. But often financial resources are limited and these educational goals may seem out of reach.
Fortunately, a new scholarship opportunity may help make these dreams a reality. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has partnered with Columbia Southern University (CSU) in Alabama to create the Scholarship Program for Spouses and Life Partners of Fallen Firefighters.
CSU is a completely online university offering degree programs and a flexible learning style designed to accommodate a busy life. The NFFF and CSU will award a two-year scholarship, which covers tuition and library fees, to an eligible spouse or life partner of a fallen firefighter who has been honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
“We at Columbia Southern University are honored to partner with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to recognize the sacrifices that the spouses of fallen firefighter make. Our hope is that these scholarships can help individuals fulfill their dreams while rebuilding their lives,” said Billy D. Hayes, vice president of Marketing, Outreach, and Admissions at CSU.
The two-year scholarship will cover tuition and library fees. Applications will be accepted now through December 31, 2013 and the recipient will be notified in January. The awardee must enroll within 90 days of receiving the scholarship and maintain enrollment. A grade point average of 3.0 for undergraduate or 3.5 for graduate level work must be upheld.
“We understand how challenging it can be for surviving spouses and partners to pursue their educational goals when they often have many other demands to juggle,” said Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NFFF. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this scholarship with Columbia Southern University and provide this valuable assistance.”
For more information about the scholarship and to download an application, go to http://firehero.org/resources/families/scholarships/csu.html
