First Responder Scholarships

Geographic Scope: United States and U.S. Territories

Eligibility:

• Spouses and children of fallen or disabled first responders
• Students attending post-secondary institutions (including technical/trade schools)
• Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for the two most recent academic terms (Higher Education only)
• Must complete and submit FAFSA (strongly encouraged)
• Schools must be accredited or registered within the state

Eligible First Responders:

• Law enforcement officers
• Firefighters
• Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel
• Other designated first responder categories

Focus Areas:

• Higher Education (college, university, technical/trade schools)
• Children's Fund (K-12 private school or tutoring services)

Award Details:

• Based on unmet need (tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meal plans, required textbooks)
• Maximum $2,500 per term for full-time students; $1,250 for part-time students
• Minimum payment $100
• Applicants must reapply each year
• Scholarships not a flat amount—paid based on documented unmet need
• Remaining funds after term can be used in other terms within same academic year

What is NOT Covered (Higher Education):

• Off-campus housing
• Greek housing
• Computers or accessories
• Special field, certification, or license exams
• Student insurance
• Previous year or semester charges
• Parking/transportation passes
• Sports tickets
• Loans or work-study

What is NOT Covered (Children's Fund):

• Curriculum materials (only required textbooks)
• PTO fees
• Sports uniforms/fees
• Music lessons

Application Timeline:

• Application Window: February 1 – March 31 (annually)
• Award Notifications: Mid-July
• Acceptance/Check-in 1 Deadline: September 15

Payment Terms:

• All funds mailed directly to educational institution (not to awardee)
• Higher Education: maximum $2,500 per term
• Private School: one lump sum at beginning of academic year
• Tutoring: two equal payments (Fall and Spring)
• Processing time: 4-6 weeks after check-in submission

Contact Information:

• Phone: (918) 274-4700
• Email: [email protected]
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM Central Time

Organization: Folds of Honor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit (TAX ID: 75-3240683)

Mission: Honor sacrifice through education for families of fallen or disabled first responders

First Responder Scholarship Application Process

Application Portal: fohscholarships.communityforce.com

Timeline:

1. February 1 - Application window opens at 9:00 AM EST
2. March 15 - Midpoint reminder
3. March 31 - Application window closes at 6:00 PM EST (extended to first business day if weekend)
4. Mid-July - Award offer/denial notifications emailed
5. Shortly after notifications - Scholarship Acceptance/Check-in 1 portal opens
6. September 15 - Scholarship Acceptance/Check-in 1 deadline

Steps to Apply:

1. Create Account
   • Go to fohscholarships.communityforce.com
   • Create one account per email address
   • Can create multiple student applications under one account
2. Complete Application Form
   • All application information submitted through online portal only
   • Documentation NOT accepted via US mail, fax, email, or phone
   • Select scholarship type: Higher Education or Children's Fund (Private School/Tutoring)
   • Name each application by student for tracking
3. Gather Required Documentation
   • Proof of relation to the first responder
   • First Responder Service Information Form (completed)
   • Full list of eligibility requirements (see downloadable documents)
   • Official transcripts (for Higher Education: two most recent terms showing 2.0+ GPA)
   • School enrollment/acceptance letter
   • Itemized tuition statement (current month for private school)
   • FAFSA completion (highly recommended)
   • Current month school bill/invoice
4. Submit Application
   • All documents uploaded through portal
   • Submit completed application by March 31 deadline
   • Multiple student applications can be submitted under one account
5. Award Notification & Acceptance
   • Award or denial notification sent via email (mid-July)
   • If awarded, accept scholarship offer through Scholarship Acceptance/Check-in 1
   • Upload required school documentation for acceptance
   • Deadline: September 15
6. Funding Process
   • After acceptance and documentation review, school receives check
   • 4-6 week processing time after check-in submission
   • Checks mailed via USPS first-class mail
   • Checks written by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF), not Folds of Honor directly

Required Materials by Education Type:

Higher Education:

• Proof of relation to first responder
• First Responder Service Information Form
• Official transcripts (two most recent terms, 2.0+ GPA required)
• Enrollment verification letter
• Current school account balance/bill
• FAFSA SAR or confirmation

Private School (Children's Fund):

• Proof of relation to first responder
• First Responder Service Information Form
• School enrollment/acceptance letter
• Current month itemized tuition statement
• School accreditation verification

Tutoring (Children's Fund):

• Proof of relation to first responder
• First Responder Service Information Form
• Tutoring business information
• Current itemized invoice/billing statement
• Business registration/accreditation documentation

Application Portal Features:

• Dashboard to track application status
• Award Status Information section with payment details
• Check-in process to update school changes
• Document upload capability with examples
• Multiple application tracking

Important Notes:

• Applicants must reapply each year
• Documents cannot be verified by phone or email before review
• If school changes after application, must update in Check-in section
• Incomplete or incorrect documentation delays payment
• Downloadable resources available on scholarship page (First Responder Service Information Form, Eligibility Requirements document)