9/11 First Responders Scholarships (Public Safety Scholarship Fund)

Purpose

To provide scholarships to undergraduate students who are children of Charlotte area public safety personnel. Awards made on the basis of academic merit, financial need and community service. Established immediately following the September 11, 2001 tragedy to recognize the service and sacrifices made by local public safety providers.

Award Details

• Amount: $1,500 per year for four years (total of $6,000)
• Scope: Over 100 scholarships awarded since 2002

Geographic Scope

• Charlotte area and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following:

1. Parent/Guardian requirement: Mother and/or father must be full-time employees of one of the following with minimum one year of service:
   • Charlotte Fire Department
   • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
   • Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office
   • MEDIC
2. Education level: High school seniors intending to enter a two-year or four-year degree program
3. Academic requirement: Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (on 4.0 scale)
4. Financial requirement: Demonstrate financial need

Selection Criteria

Scholarship Committee considers:

1. Prior academic performance
2. Financial need as determined by college costs vs. household income and other financial factors
3. Record of good citizenship evidenced by school and community involvement beyond required activities
4. Preference given to students pursuing study in criminal justice, fire science or emergency medical service (all programs of study considered)

Administration

Selection process administered through The Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC), not the Rotary Club directly.

Application Process

1. Obtain application materials: Forms and information available on The Foundation for the Carolinas website
2. Submit application through: The Foundation for the Carolinas (FFTC)
3. Note: The selection process is administered through FFTC, not directly through the Rotary Club

Required Application Materials

Application forms available on Foundation for the Carolinas site (specific details not provided in source material)

Contact for Applications

The Foundation for the Carolinas
(Selection process administered through FFTC)