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Firehouse Subs Launches Scholarship for First Responders

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. s-launches-scholarship-for-first-responders.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 10:04 GMT by Action News Jax
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 25th, 2026 - The Firehouse Subs Foundation today announced the launch of the 'Firehouse Subs Public Safety Scholarship,' a significant investment in the future of emergency services personnel across the United States. The scholarship program, building upon the Foundation's longstanding support of first responders, aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by aspiring paramedics, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

For over two decades, the Firehouse Subs Foundation has been a dedicated champion of those who dedicate their lives to public safety. Established in 2005, the Foundation has already donated over $70 million to a wide array of charities and organizations supporting first responders. This new scholarship represents a deliberate expansion of their efforts, shifting focus from immediate aid to proactive investment in the next generation of heroes.

"We've always believed in honoring those who answer the call, and supporting their immediate needs is crucial," explained Caroline Noble, Executive Director of the Firehouse Subs Foundation. "However, we realized we could do more. The current landscape of emergency services is facing unique challenges, including recruitment difficulties and a growing demand for highly skilled professionals. This scholarship isn't just about helping students pay for tuition; it's about ensuring we have a robust and qualified workforce prepared to serve our communities effectively for years to come."

The decision to create the scholarship was informed by a recent report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which highlighted a critical shortage of qualified firefighters in many areas of the country. Simultaneously, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant growth in employment for both EMTs and paramedics as the population ages and requires increased medical attention. These factors combined create a pressing need for financial assistance programs that attract and retain talented individuals in these vital professions.

The 'Firehouse Subs Public Safety Scholarship' is open to students accepted to or currently enrolled in accredited colleges and universities offering degree programs directly related to emergency services. Eligible fields of study include, but are not limited to, paramedic science, fire science, emergency medical technology, and related healthcare disciplines. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine commitment to public safety, evidenced by volunteer work, prior experience (such as being a volunteer firefighter or EMT), or strong academic focus on relevant coursework.

Financial need is a key component of the application process. The Foundation recognizes the substantial cost of higher education and aims to prioritize students who would otherwise struggle to afford tuition, fees, and essential supplies. Scholarship amounts will vary based on individual need and program costs, but the Foundation anticipates awarding multiple scholarships annually, potentially totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial aid.

The application process is now open and will operate on a rolling basis, meaning applications will be reviewed as they are received. This approach allows the Foundation to provide timely assistance to students facing immediate financial pressures. Interested applicants can find complete eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and the online application form at [ https://firehousesubs.com/foundation/scholarship/ ].

The launch of the scholarship has been met with widespread praise from organizations within the first responder community. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) released a statement commending the Firehouse Subs Foundation for its "forward-thinking initiative" and emphasizing the importance of investing in the future of the fire service. Similarly, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) applauded the program's potential to attract a diverse pool of talented individuals to the field of emergency medical services.

The Firehouse Subs Foundation's continued dedication to supporting first responders, now extended through this scholarship program, reinforces its position as a leading philanthropic organization in the public safety sector. As communities across the nation grapple with increasing demands on emergency services, initiatives like this are essential to ensuring that the next generation of heroes is well-equipped, well-trained, and financially supported to serve and protect.