When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the family faces many challenges as they find their bearings and rebuild their lives. In many cases, the fallen was the primary earner and their survivors may not have the necessary funds available to pursue their educational goals. Through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Sarbanes Scholarship Programs the loved ones of the fallen can receive financial assistance to help them fulfill dreams that they may otherwise have to postpone.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Scholarship Committee recently awarded 78 scholarships to 74 children, two step-children and two spouses of fallen firefighters. Of the recipients, 40 previously received scholarships while the other 38 are new recipients. The awardees represent 26 different states and will attend institutions in 30 states to pursue careers ranging from Culinary Arts to Criminal Justice, and Education to Fire Science.

"These bright men and women are an inspiration to us all and very deserving of these scholarships," said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. "The Foundation and our generous partners are very pleased to be able to provide this support so that they can further their education and go on to achieve their career goals."

For the 2011-12 academic year, the Foundation and its partners awarded a total of $234,500 in scholarships. Through a very generous partnership with the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF awarded over $205,000 to 78 recipients. In partnerships with ICMA-RC, $25,000 was awarded to 20 recipients and MasterGuard awarded two $2,000 scholarships for a total of $29,000. The number of scholarships awarded has steadily increased over the years. Since the program began in 1997, the NFFF has awarded $1,771,500 to applicants while the Foundation's partners have awarded $562,395 since 2001. The Sarbanes Scholarship Program provides assistance to spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. 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.

To be eligible, children must be under age 30 presently and have been under age 22 at the time of their firefighters death. All applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency, or must be in their final year of high school. Applicants must also be pursuing or planning to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies, a certification program or job skills training at an accredited institution and must be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full- or part-time student.

In 1992, the U. S. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Foundation's scholarship program began in 1997 and is named in honor of U. S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a strong supporter of education and America's fire service family who authored the legislation creating the Foundation.

» Click Here for 2011-2012 Sarbanes Scholarship recipients