Scholarships
If you are interested in pursuing a career in EMS and are looking to further your education, scholarships can open up that possibility! There are a variety of scholarships available specifically for EMS students in the state of Wisconsin and nationally. Some are provided through associations and grants, and others can be found through specific EMS departments. When applying for scholarships, be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully and submit your application on time. Below is a compiled list of some of the scholarships that are available to you, organized by application deadline.
WEMSA Foundation Scholarship
Every year, the Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) Foundation provides SIX $1,000 scholarships to eligible students pursuing licensure in EMS through an approved Wisconsin training center. Applications currently closed for this scholarship.
The Application Process for the 2026 - 2027 WEMSA Foundation Scholarship is closed.
For Active & Prospective First Responders
Sorted by application deadline. Check back regularly, as deadlines and amounts may change year to year.
| Deadline | Scholarship | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2026 | Fitch EMS Foundation – EMS Specific Leadership Training | Varies | Fitch & Associates will provide scholarships for the following programs: Ambulance Service Manager (ASM) and Communications Center Manager (CCM) certificate programs and the Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum. |
| March 15, 2026 | Fitch EMS Foundation – American College of Paramedic Executives | $1,000 | The American College of Paramedic Executives (ACPE) is the credentialing body that offers voluntary professional certifications to qualified EMS leaders. The ACPE will provide a waiver of certification fees for the Foundation’s award winner for an applicant that meets the certification criteria in each of the following categories: Supervising Paramedic Officer (SPO), Managing Paramedic Officer (MPO), Executive Paramedic Officer (FACPE – Fellow of the College of Paramedic Executives). |
| April 15, 2026 | Firehouse Subs Public Safety Scholarship | $5,000 | Community applicants to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Scholarship Program must: be high school seniors or graduates, or current college undergraduates, and plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time firefighter, law enforcement, or emergency medical (paramedic or EMT) program at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year, and plan to pursue a career as a first responder; firefighter, police officer, paramedic or EMT. Awards are distributed to 15 students annually; the program typically closes each year on April 15 or once 500 applications are received. |
| April 24, 2026 | Bound Tree Scholarship Program | $2,000 | Applicants must submit a single page typewritten essay explaining why they wish to pursue an EMT career or to further their training. Applicants must be the son or daughter of a career or volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, or Firefighter (active, formerly active, retired or deceased) who is interested in a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). |
| April 30, 2026 | NAEMT Foundation Scholarships for EMR & EMT Schooling | $1,000 | Applicant must submit a letter of request, in 1,000 words or less, that describes why he or she is pursuing educational scholarship, his or her educational and employment goals, and how the scholarship would be of benefit. The following criteria will be used in the scholarship selection process: commitment to entering the EMS profession, financial need, dedication to the community, ability to serve as a positive ambassador to the EMS profession. |
| May 8, 2026 | Foster Love American Industries Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Foster Love and the Milligan Family Foundation offer this incredible scholarship program tailored to elevating the experiences of current and former foster youth across America. The American Industries Trade Scholarship offers a powerful opportunity, granting up to $10,000 in academic funding over two years to help foster youth overcome financial hurdles in earning a trade certification or vocational degree. Beyond financial aid, this scholarship stands as a pillar of support for young individuals, fostering their personal, emotional, and social growth. Must be pursuing a trade (including EMT). |
| May 31 & October 31, 2026 | NAEMT Columbia Southern University Scholarships | Varies | Exclusive NAEMT scholarship at Columbia Southern University will cover up to 60 credit hours toward one online degree program. The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition for up to three years or until the completion of the selected online degree program, whichever comes first. Plus, full members receive a 15% tuition discount on online courses. Proof of full NAEMT membership is required. |
| June 15 & September 15, 2026 | NAEMT EMS Scholarships | Up to $500–$5,000 | The following scholarship opportunities are offered twice yearly to coincide with the fall-winter and spring-summer school semesters: First Responders (to become EMT-Basic) – up to $500 each; EMT-Basic (to become EMT-Paramedic) – up to $5,000 each; Paramedics (to advance education in the realm of EMS) – up to $2,000 each. |
| July 1, 2026 (also Dec 1 for spring programs) |
Bryant Gladney Paramedic Education Scholarship | $1,500 | For students attending a program to become a Paramedic, with a strong passion for serving their community and a plan to pursue a life-long career in emergency medicine. Four $1,500 scholarships awarded per semester. Applications for fall programs (Aug.–Dec.) are due July 1; applications for spring programs (Jan.–May) are due December 1. Applicants must be 18 years or older, live in the United States, have completed high school or received a GED, and be accepted into a Paramedic program at a college, university, or non-profit program in the U.S. Scholarships are for tuition only, paid directly to the Bursar, and cannot be used for fees outside of tuition (books, supplies, lab fees, registration fees). |
| July 1, 2026 | Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder Memorial Scholarship | $2,000 | Established in 2021 to honor the memory of Lieutenant Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder and support women training for a career in the fire service. Lieutenant Ciganek was a proud member of the Milwaukee Fire Department for 15 years, serving 13 years as a firefighter and 2 years as a fire lieutenant. She was diagnosed with duty-related cancer in August 2012 at age 43 and forced to retire from the job she loved. She passed away in December 2017 at age 47. |
| July 31, 2026 | Annuvia's Public Safety Scholarship | $500 | Open to legal U.S. residents 18 years or older as of enrollment, who are not employees or direct relatives of employees of Annuvia and are attending a college or post-secondary institution full-time. Requires an original 500+ word essay proposing how the emergency medical services industry can improve public safety, emergency response, or general public safety, incorporating facts, details, and accurate industry research where possible. |
| July 31, 2026 | Detox.com College Scholarship | $250–$1,500 | Provides an opportunity for students to earn financial support while engaging in meaningful discussion around addiction, recovery, and stigma. Awards funding to students who submit an original essay exploring how individuals and society can help reduce stigma and encourage those struggling with substance use to seek treatment. Open to eligible college students, supporting both academic advancement and awareness in an important area of public health. |
| July 31, 2026 | Addictions.com College Scholarship | $250–$1,500 | Offers financial support to students committed to addressing substance use and mental health challenges. Through an essay-based application, students explore important topics surrounding addiction, recovery, and societal impact, empowering them to contribute to meaningful change while supporting their educational goals. |
| July 31, 2026 | Rehabs.org College Scholarship | $250–$1,500 | Provides students with the opportunity to earn funding while raising awareness about addiction treatment and recovery. Applicants submit an original essay focused on reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help, supporting students passionate about making a difference in public health and their communities. |
| October 30, 2026 | Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Program | Up to $10,000 | Awards funding to individuals and organizations within the fire and emergency services community to support innovative projects that advance leadership development and training. Inspired by Chief Alan Brunacini’s legacy of progressive leadership and customer service–focused fire service, this opportunity encourages forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen professional growth and organizational culture. Projects that promote education, collaboration, and long-term impact across departments and communities are strongly encouraged. |
| October 30, 2026 | Chief James G. Yvorra Award for Fire and Emergency Services Responders | Varies | Provides financial assistance to an individual, organization, or group with the potential to improve leadership development in the fire and emergency services through training and education. Individuals may apply for scholarships, or groups may apply for funding toward a leadership-related project. Applicants should be currently serving as an active duty or volunteer firefighter or emergency management officer, with a demonstrated commitment to professionalism and leadership, and should submit three letters of recommendation. Open to all experience levels, from firefighter through chief officer or emergency management officer. |
| October 30, 2026 | Donald E. Sellers Award for Emergency Medical Responders | Varies | Designed specifically for EMS professionals, this award supports individuals seeking to further their education and training in emergency medical services. Honoring Donald E. Sellers’ commitment to advancing EMS education and excellence, this scholarship recognizes those who are dedicated to improving patient care and strengthening their communities. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and a clear vision for how continued training will enhance their impact in the field. |
| October 30, 2026 | Chief John M. Eversole Award for Hazardous Materials Emergency Responders | Varies | Provides funding to individuals or organizations pursuing training or education in hazardous materials or WMD response. Named for Chief John M. Eversole, a leader in hazardous materials response and safety, this opportunity supports those working to enhance preparedness and response capabilities in high-risk environments. Priority is given to training or projects that can be applied department-wide or regionally to improve overall response effectiveness. |
| October 30, 2026 | Chief G. Crawford Wiestling Scholarship Award | Varies | Recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to firefighter safety and health. Honoring Chief G. Crawford Wiestling’s decades of service and dedication to the fire service community, this award highlights those who demonstrate leadership, commitment, and measurable impact in improving safety practices. Recipients are recognized for advancing the well-being of firefighters and setting a standard for excellence in the field. |
| December 1, 2026 | Gold Cross Ambulance Scholarship | $1,000 | Applicants must be enrolled in a paramedic training program at Fox Valley Technical College, Lakeshore Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College or Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Preference may be given to students enrolled in an associate degree paramedic program. Ideal candidates demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA, volunteer or other experience in health-related fields, community service, and financial need. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to two students, must be used for tuition, is non-renewable, and is payable after successful completion of the first semester. |
| December 1, 2026 | Kelmann Cares Foundation Grants & Scholarship Program | $1,000 | Grants are considered on a bi-annual basis by the Foundation’s board of directors. The maximum amount awarded per winning applicant is $1,000. All applicants will be notified of the board’s final decision two weeks after the close of the grant deadline (by December 15, 2026). |
| December 1, 2026 | George Sippel Memorial EMS Scholarship (Orange Cross) | Varies | Open to students from Sheboygan or Manitowoc County enrolled or enrolling in an EMS training program (EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic) in 2026. Eligible schools: Fox Valley Technical College, Lakeshore Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Who should apply: those who show dedication to helping others, have experience in community service or health care (volunteer or work), have financial need. Adult learners and non-traditional students are especially encouraged to apply. |
Rolling & No-Deadline Scholarships
| Availability | Scholarship | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reviewed & awarded year-round | Parker Foundation Scholarship | $2,000 | Certifications and education programs provide opportunities and credibility for rural government employees, underprivileged citizens, and veterans seeking to start a career in the information technology (IT), medical, first responder, and emergency management fields. Being certified and educated by a reputable institution allows anyone to stand out from the crowd and be more likely to succeed in their positions and obtain a better quality of life. |
For Children of First Responders
Sorted by application deadline.
| Deadline | Scholarship | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2026 | 9/11 Promise Run | $5,000–$15,000 | The 9/11 Promise Run provides scholarships to qualified children of first responders and military service members who have been killed or injured and are unable to hold employment. Starting in 2019, participants of the 9/11 Promise events fundraise for scholarships that positively impact the lives of children and families impacted by the loss of their loved one. Scholarship amounts range from a minimum award of $5,000 to a max award of $15,000. |
| April 15, 2026 | First Responders Children's Foundation Scholarship | Varies | For the past 25 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has awarded college scholarships to children of first responders. Applicant must be the biological, adopted or step-child of a police officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic or 911 dispatcher. Applicants who are the child of a deceased first responder must have been conceived prior to the death or total and permanent disability of the eligible first responder. |
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list, but if you are aware of any scholarships related to first responders and people interested in EMS that are not currently listed, contact us to have it added.
Last Updated: August 3rd, 2026