The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is now accepting applications for the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program, sponsored by Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. Ten $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to junior firefighters nationwide who demonstrate commitment and dedication to their local junior firefighter program and the fire service. In addition, the departments of each of the winning students will receive a grant of $5,000. The application and criteria for the competitive scholarships are available on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org/juniors. Applications must be received by May 15.

Department members and junior firefighter program coordinators are encouraged to inform their department’s junior members about this new opportunity. Scholarships can be applied to a two- or four-year institution of higher learning, a trade school, or a certification program. The corresponding grants to departments must be used to benefit the departments’ junior firefighter program.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a senior in high school, or a high school graduate within the past three (3) years, who is enrolled or will be enrolled in the Fall 2008 school year at an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning, a trade school, or a certification program.
• Be a past or current junior firefighter in a department that is registered with the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program. If your program is not currently registered, the department can do so for free at www.nvfc.org/juniors.
• Have proven to be an active and vital member of a junior firefighter program for at least one year and currently be active in the department either as a junior firefighter or in some other capacity. Have demonstrated intent to pursue emergency services.
• Describe extracurricular involvement.
• Learn more about the criteria and application process, and download the application at www.nvfc.org/juniors. The scholarships and grants will be awarded during Firehouse Expo in July.