EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has awarded 56 scholarships totaling $535,109 to the spouses, children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Since launching its scholarship program in 1997, NFFF has provided more than $7.39 million in tuition assistance to 1,765 students nationwide, helping families of fallen firefighters pursue higher education while honoring their loved ones’ service.
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For 2025–2026, 38 returning scholars and 18 first-time recipients were selected. Awards are based on financial need and academic performance, with priority given to students pursuing degrees in STEM fields and public safety.
“These scholarships reflect the NFFF’s ongoing commitment to the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters,” CEO Victor Stagnaro said. “Stepping up to cover all or some of their tuition is the least we can do, and I know our generous partners feel the same. We are proud to provide stability and support for these families as they pursue higher education and build brighter futures.”
Partners, including the Motorola Solutions Foundation, support the NFFF scholarship program. In 2020, the foundation expanded its support with the Enhanced Scholarship Initiative, offering larger awards for students in STEM and public safety fields. Since then, ESI has provided 14 full scholarships totaling nearly $400,000.
“My dad, FDNY Lieutenant Steven Reisman, was called to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center on September 11, and I lost him at 14 years old due to 9/11-related cancer,” Sarbanes Scholarship recipient Natalie Reisman said. “Seeing what he endured, I decided to dedicate my career to the service of human dignity, specifically seeking a career in public interest law. This year, I began my first year at Fordham Law, studying in the same city my dad fought fires, and none of this would be possible without the generous support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation and the continued support of NFFF.”
In addition to support from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF Scholarship Program is funded through the generosity of numerous scholarship partners and donors, including:
- Alan Patrick Sondej Scholarship Fund
- Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund
- MissionSquare Retirement
- National Association of State Fire Marshals
- Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation
- Global Health & Safety
- Steel Family’s Fire Engine 5 Charitable Foundation
- Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation
- Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Scholarship Fund
