New York State Offers College Tuition to Volunteer Firefighters
What better gift to give those who volunteer their time to protecting and serving their community than to help pay for their college tuition? That’s the thinking of the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York which has created an initiative called the ‘Higher Education Learning Plan.’
According to the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York, the need for volunteer firefights is crucial,
Due to a variety of factors, New York’s volunteer fire departments are currently experiencing a critical need to recruit and retain members. As an incentive for individuals to serve in New York’s volunteer fire service, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP).
The Higher Education Learning Plan would reimburse the volunteer firefighter, as long as they are “providing active service to a New York State volunteer department."
Student-volunteers will be reimbursed up to 100 percent of their tuition (not to exceed $1,500 per semester) by attending a “New York State chartered two- or four-year school or via online courses taken through Empire State College each semester based on good grades.” Additionally, volunteers who already have a college degree are eligible to participate in the program.
Learn more about the Higher Education Learning Plan here.