Apply for All NFFF Scholarships with One Application
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and its partners are committed to supporting Fire Hero Families through educational assistance. Whether you are pursuing a degree, certification, or vocational training, our scholarship programs are designed to help you achieve your goals.
The best part? There is only one application process for all NFFF scholarship opportunities. By submitting a single application, you will automatically be considered for all eligible scholarships. We encourage you to take advantage of this streamlined process to access the support you deserve on your educational journey.
Submit Your Application Starting on January 1, 2026.
NFFF Scholarship Program
Spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial are eligible to apply for the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Scholarship and our partner programs. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes 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 in-state or out-of-state public and private schools.
Our Sarbanes Scholarship Partners
NFFF Memorial Scholarship Funds
The Alan Patrick Sondej Memorial Scholarship Fund is the first National Fallen Firefighters Foundation scholarship fund that is designed to provide scholarships that satisfy the full four year cost of college tuition and books. Awards are based on an evaluation of academic achievement and financial need and are available to students pursuing a major in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund is the second National Fallen Firefighters Foundation scholarship fund that is designed to provide scholarships that satisfy the full four year cost of college tuition and books. Awards are based on an evaluation of academic achievement and financial need and are available to students pursuing a major in the field of public safety.
The Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund supports the educational pursuits of spouses, life partners, children, and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, providing financial assistance to deserving students studying in the field of public safety. Through this scholarship, the program honors the legacy of Sander Cohen and his dedication to supporting the families of fallen firefighters.
The Motorola Enhanced Scholarship Initiative will provide for larger, and in certain cases, full, scholarships. To be eligible, the applicant must be pursing a major in a STEM subject or public safety. Awards are made on a annual basis and will be based on an assessment of financial need and academic performance using a composite scoring system.
Scholarships Awarded
NFFF Scholarship Program News
Discounted Tuition Programs
Marist University
The unique collaboration offers special tuition pricing for immediate family members of fallen firefighters recognized at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and NFFF employees.
Options for full-time and part-time master’s and bachelor’s degree programs offered 100% online, in-class, or a combination of both.
Waldorf University
Fire Hero Families have access to exceptional pathways to higher education. Enjoy a 10% discount on published tuition rates for online certificate programs, as well as associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Take advantage of exclusive scholarship opportunities, including the Learning Partner Scholarship and the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. Plus, receive an on-campus scholarship of up to $15,000 to attend Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa—renewable each year while eligibility requirements are met.