Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
Maryland Higher Education Commission
The Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program show the commitment of the State of Maryland to the local first responder industry. Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) established the scholarship fund to encourage members of the industry to pursue credited courses in related fields at the university level.
The scholarship is open to those who wish to be enrolled full-time or part-time in undergraduate programs such as fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire service technology or fire safety management. Additionally, applicants as well as their parents (for dependent students) must be Maryland residents.
The scholarship amount will be at least 50% of each student’s annual tuition and mandatory fees at an eligible institution in Maryland. The range is between $6,500 to $28,000. Ideal candidates demonstrate above-average academic performance as well as extensive work experience and dedication to the field.
Scholarship Summary
The Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program show the commitment of the State of Maryland to the local first responder industry. Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) established the scholarship fund to encourage members of the industry to pursue credited courses in related fields at the university level.
The scholarship is open to those who wish to be enrolled full-time or part-time in undergraduate programs such as fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire service technology or fire safety management. Additionally, applicants as well as their parents (for dependent students) must be Maryland residents.
The scholarship amount will be at least 50% of each student’s annual tuition and mandatory fees at an eligible institution in Maryland. The range is between $6,500 to $28,000. Ideal candidates demonstrate above-average academic performance as well as extensive work experience and dedication to the field.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: All
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Maryland
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Public Safety
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Financial Information
- Present Work Experiences
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program Timeline
January 2023
Application Opening Date
Applications open on January 1.
May 2023
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on May 1.
How to ace the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
Apply early
If you want to increase your chances of winning the scholarship, you should definitely submit much before the deadline. Start working on preparing your application as early as possible and stay on top of it.
Be honest
Lying on your application will result in instant disqualification and possibly criminal prosecution. Do not embellish, falsify, or conceal any relevant information. Also, ensure you state if you will be receiving any other scholarships.
Get your hours or points up
If you’re applying as a career firefighter, ambulance, or rescue squad member, you need to have worked at least 1,000 hours in the tax year prior to the award year. If you’re applying as a volunteer, you need 50 LOSAP - or whatever other accepted point system- points in the tax year before the award year. Work towards achieving this, and even going beyond if possible.
Review your application
Thoroughly go through your application to see to it that you’ve answered all questions correctly and gotten rid of all spelling/typing errors. You should also make sure you’ve adhered to guidelines concerning submission and document formatting.
How the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program is Judged
Applicants are judged based on their academic performance, work experience, and financial need. Applicants are then ranked and awarded according to the date of submission of their applications.
Why We Love the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
MHEC’s first decision may not be final
The organization’s final scholarship decision can be appealed, so if you didn’t qualify for the scholarship and are in dire need of it for whatever reason, you can contact MHEC. Also, applicants who are not selected initially may be placed on a waiting list, pending the availability of funding.
It’s renewable
Recipients may renew the scholarship for up to five years of study even if they change schools, as long as they maintain eligibility requirements and a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Previous scholars applying for renewal are given priority over first-time applicants.
It can be combined with other scholarships
Qualified candidates remain eligible for this scholarship even if they have received other scholarships or financial aid. The award amount for such recipients would only be reduced to ensure it doesn’t exceed their total educational expenses or $28,000, whichever is less.
5 Facts About Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship Program
Recipients have a service obligation requirement
Recipients must sign and return a promissory note that declares their commitment to serving for one year as a volunteer, career firefighter, or ambulance or rescue firefighter in the state.
Winners must accept awards within six weeks
Candidates selected for the scholarship must accept their scholarships via the MDCAPS portal within six weeks after they receive the award notification emails.
Recipients must stay drug-free
Recipients must abstain from the illegal use of drugs or alcohol for the full term of the award, or risk losing the scholarship and enrollment.
Payment is made to the institution
The scholarship funds are disbursed to the recipients’ institutions approximately four weeks after the institutions certify that the recipients meet the eligibility requirements.
Charles W. Riley served for 50+ years
The award’s namesake served as a former president and chair of the legislative committee of Maryland’s Firemen Association, where he worked on bills and legislation that would benefit firefighters and emergency services providers.