Paramedic/Fire Academy Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California

Focus Areas:

• Financial assistance for individuals pursuing paramedic careers
• Financial assistance for individuals attending fire academy
• Support for EMTs transitioning to paramedic certification

Eligibility:

• Individuals planning to pursue careers in emergency medical services
• EMTs who cannot afford year-long paramedic academy programs
• Youth ages 16-26 from historically under-invested communities
• Individuals from culturally diverse communities

Background:
The Fire Foundation addresses a critical shortage of paramedics in San Diego County, as identified by Fire Chiefs. The program helps prepare youth for careers in public safety and provides pathways for EMTs to become paramedics, which improves emergency medical response capacity across the region.

Recent Funding:

• October 2024: Received $200,000 grant from The Prebys Foundation to expand the Paramedic Scholarship Program
• Program has awarded $31,000+ to 7 individuals (as of August 2022)
• Partnerships include Southwestern College and Palomar College

Key Features:

• Serves youth who lack access to paid internship opportunities
• Builds professional networks and workforce readiness
• Targets recruitment from underserved communities
• Supports both paramedic and fire academy pathways

Contact:

• Phone: 619.814.1352
• Address: 2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 160, San Diego, CA 92106
• Application Portal: https://sdfirefoundation.org (Paramedic / Fire Academy Scholarship Portal)

Application Process

Details about the specific application process are not provided in the available documentation.

To Apply:

1. Visit the Paramedic / Fire Academy Scholarship Portal at sdfirefoundation.org
2. Contact the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation directly:
   • Phone: 619.814.1352
   • Email: [contact information available on website]
   • Address: 2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 160, San Diego, CA 92106

Required Materials:
Specific application requirements are not detailed in the provided materials. Contact the foundation directly for current application requirements and deadlines.