Purpose: To honor and support the dedication and sacrifices of first responders and their immediate families by providing educational or vocational training scholarships.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be either:

  • A current or former first responder employed by a recognized emergency services agency (police, fire, EMS, paramedics, etc.)

  • An immediate family member (spouse, child/grandchild, parent, sibling) of a current or former first responder

• Applicants must be legal residents of the United States.

• Applicants must be accepted into or currently enrolled in an accredited university, college, trade school, or vocational training program within the academic year following the scholarship award (August - July).

• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale (in high school or college).

• Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to personal and professional development.

• Awards are renewable for up to three additional years provided the student maintains a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale in a full-time trade school, undergraduate, or graduate program.

• If a family member of a board member applies for a scholarship, the board member shall be exempt from voting to select award recipients.

Selection Criteria:

• Personal essay: Applicants will submit a 1000-word essay exploring the following themes:

  • Your connection to the first responder community: Share your personal story and relationship with a first responder. Detail their role and how it has impacted your life.

  • The impact of being a first responder or family member: Discuss the unique challenges and rewards associated with your connection to the first responder community. How has this connection shaped your perspective and goals?

  • Educational or vocational goals: Describe your chosen degree or trade program and your aspirations for the future. Explain how this education will contribute to your personal and professional growth as well as your community.

  • Request for scholarship: Explain why you deserve this scholarship and how it will significantly impact your ability to pursue your educational or vocational goals.

• Letters of recommendation: Applicants will submit two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their character, work ethic, and academic abilities.

Amount of Award:

• Five scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded annually.

Application Process:

• Applications will be accepted during the Spring each year.

• Applications must be submitted online through the foundation's website or by mail to the designated address.

• All application materials must be submitted by March 31st each year to be considered.

Scholarship Use:

• Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other approved educational expenses at university, college, trade school, or vocational training programs.

• Funds may not be used for personal expenses unrelated to education.

Award Notification:

• Selected scholarship recipients will be notified by email and/or phone within two weeks of the application deadline.

• Award recipients will be required to submit documentation of program enrollment before funds are disbursed.

Reporting Requirements:

• Scholarship recipients will be required to submit a brief report outlining their progress in their program and how the scholarship funds were used within three months of the first semester/term.

Additional Information:

• The Peer Support Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of first responders and their families.

• This scholarship program is funded through private donations and fundraising efforts.

• The foundation reserves the right to modify these guidelines at any time.

For more information and to apply, please email us at contact@peersupportfoundation.org

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Applications can be submitted below or mailed to:

Peer Support Foundation

8801 Chambery Blvd. Suite 300 #208

Johnston, IA 50131