HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County, Florida, has launched a new scholarship program aimed at helping aspiring firefighters achieve their career goals. The Firefighter and EMT Scholarship program will provide financial assistance to individuals with low-to-moderate incomes who are interested in pursuing careers as first responders.
Recognizing that financial constraints often prevent qualified candidates from pursuing the necessary training, this program seeks to remove those barriers. It covers the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, and even provides a stipend to help with living expenses during the training period.
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The program is a joint effort between Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and Hillsborough County Affordable Housing.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Florida resident living in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
- Qualify as a resident with limited income.
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
- Be physically fit and able to perform tasks in demanding conditions.
- Be tobacco-free.
- Have no felony or first-degree misdemeanor convictions.
- Have a clean driving record.
- Agree to a background check and drug test.
Application Process:
Interested candidates can find the application and more information at HCFL.Gov/FireScholarship. The deadline to apply is November 6, 2024.
The application requires three letters of recommendation and an essay explaining why the applicant deserves the scholarship and their motivations for becoming a firefighter.
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation Scholarship Committee will review all applications and select recipients based on financial need, application quality, letters of recommendation, essay content, and community involvement.
This scholarship program is a valuable opportunity for aspiring firefighters to receive the necessary training and financial support to pursue a rewarding career in public service.
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