Application deadline extended to Nov. 6
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2024) - The Firefighter and EMT Scholarship program will help aspiring firefighters train for one of the most important jobs in the community by providing financial support during training.
Hillsborough County recognizes that financial insecurity often prevents qualified applicants with low-to-moderate income levels from applying and training for a career as a first responder. This new scholarship program aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent qualified candidates from attending an approved Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards and Emergency Medical Technician certification program. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue's goal is to recruit a diverse group of candidates from a variety of backgrounds across the community.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and Hillsborough County Affordable Housing created the scholarship program jointly.
Candidates can find the application and more information at HCFL.Gov/FireScholarship. The deadline has been extended to Nov. 6, 2024, to give applicants more time after the displacement caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Firefighter and EMT Scholarship program covers the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, and rental of required protective clothing. During firefighter and EMT classes, the scholarship recipient will receive a stipend equaling $19 per hour while in class or clinicals. Stipends will be paid approximately every two weeks. Applicants should ensure that they have met and/or satisfied all eligibility requirements for this scholarship prior to applying.
Eligibility details can be found below, and the scholarship application includes three letters of recommendation and an essay.
Eligibility
To be considered eligible for the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation's Firefighter and EMT Scholarship, the candidate must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a Florida resident and must attend the programs as designed, beginning on Jan. 7, 2025
- Live in unincorporated Hillsborough County
- Qualify as a resident with limited income at the time of application
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of application
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid Florida driver's license
- Be physically fit and able to perform tasks in extremely hot, cold, and outdoor environments
- Be tobacco-free in accordance with the current Florida Statute 633.34(6)
- Not have a felony or 1st-degree misdemeanor conviction
- Driving record that does not preclude employment under Florida Statute as a firefighter or EMT
- Agree to, and pass, a background check
- Hillsborough County is a drug-free workplace, and candidates must be able to pass a drug test and maintain a drug-free status
Letters of recommendation and essay
Three letters of recommendation and a written essay are required. The essay, not to exceed 500 words, should focus on why the applicant should receive the scholarship and also cover the following:
- Describe why you want to be a firefighter in the State of Florida and what the career will mean to you, your family, and your community
- Discuss any past or current volunteer work you have participated in during the last two years
- Include any honors or awards you may have received
Failure to submit all required items may result in disqualification of the applicant.
Selection criteria
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation Firefighter and EMT Scholarship Program aims to provide financial aid to eligible, aspiring firefighters who need the help and wish to pursue a career as a firefighter in the State of Florida.
Identifying successful applicants will be based on financial need, application, letters of recommendation, and their essay. Public-safety-related extracurricular activities, community service, and involvement in volunteer organizations may also be taken into consideration.
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation Scholarship Committee will review all applications and ensure they meet eligibility and submission requirements before considering the candidate's individual circumstances or qualifications for the award. Upon a scholarship award, recipients will be assigned a local fire department mentor by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to assist them throughout the scholarship period.