National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Sarbanes Scholarship Program

When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the loss is felt far beyond the fire service—it forever changes the lives of their loved ones. Families must navigate grief while adjusting to life without a parent or partner who was often the primary financial provider. Many spouses suddenly face the challenge of supporting their children without adequate resources, while children and stepchildren are left wondering if their educational dreams are still within reach. The Foundation’s scholarship programs exist to help these families move forward—by providing opportunity, stability, and hope for the future.

In 1992, the U. S. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). 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 Sarbanes, Alan Patrick Sondej Memorial Scholarship Fund, Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the Motorola Enhanced Scholarship Initiative 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 any undergraduate and graduate studies, vocational-technical training, and certification and job training programs. They may be used for study at officially accredited in-state or out-of-state public and private schools and only may be used for tuition, required books and equipment, and related academic expenses. Under NO circumstances may awards be used for room and board.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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, online colleges and universities.
• Currently enrolled or planning to enroll as a full- or part-time student.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or “C” average for applicants pursuing an academic degree.
• Have not already received (5) scholarships from the NFFF.

Selection Criteria

• Academic standing
• Financial need determined by FAFSA Electronic Student Aid Index (SAI) that shows the eligibility index number to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attend the school. Additionally, your Gross Family Income must be included on the application form. This information helps us assess your financial need. Please ensure that firefighter pensions or line-of-duty death benefits are not included in the reported income.
• 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. The other letter can be from a former or current educator, employer, a member of the clergy, etc.

Applications must be completed by March 1.

Terms of Awards

• All scholarships are paid directly to an officially accredited institution on behalf of the scholarship recipient.
• Scholarships may be used for tuition, required books and equipment, and related academic expenses. Under NO circumstances may awards be used for room and board.
• Scholarships are for one academic year. Applicants may reapply for assistance in up to four separate years. The receipt of a scholarship does not guarantee future awards.
• Recipients must complete the planned course of study for the academic term for which they receive the scholarship. If a recipient withdraws from the educational institution, voluntarily or for any other reason, any unused funds will be returned to the Foundation. In no case, may a recipient receive cash from the Foundation’s scholarship award.
• Any change of schools or program of study requires prior approval by the Foundation to continue the scholarship. A new institution or program must also be officially accredited.