In most areas of New York State, it is citizen volunteers who respond to emergency situations. 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 Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has developed the Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP). This program will provide tuition reimbursement to student-volunteers attending a New York State chartered college or taking online courses through Empire State College, as long as they are providing active service to a New York State volunteer department. Individuals who already have a college degree are also eligible to participate in the FASNY HELP program.
FASNY HELP “Student-Volunteers” are eligible to have up to 100% of their tuition reimbursed (with any single semester award not to exceed $1,500) in exchange for maintaining defined grades and fulfilling established service requirements in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) the FASNY HELP student-volunteer can pursue. To participate in FASNY HELP you must be an active volunteer firefighter in good standing. Student-volunteers must re-apply each semester they with to participate in FASNY HELP.
Please note that this program will only be accepting 100 participants and if more than 100 applications are received, the finalists will be chosen by random lottery.
HOW TO APPLY:
Complete the online application form linked here. The form will require two attachments: the Signature Form (signed by both you and the Chief of your department, linked here) and a copy of your Official College Bill indicating your tuition charge (tuition charge ONLY).
If you are a recipient of the FASNY HELP Tuition Reimbursement Program, at the end of your semester, you will need to submit your Unofficial College Transcript and your Tracking Form to help@fasny.com. Additional copies of the Tracking Form can be found at the FASNY website here.
Have any questions? Reach out to us!