Education Portfolio
Empowering Educational Success.
The Education Impact portfolio consists of programs designed to (1) strengthen recruitment by exposing individuals to the fire service industry and (2) assist sworn and civilian members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department achieve higher levels of educational achievement and success. Given that for Atlanta firefighters there is a direct relationship between education level and increases in compensation and career advancement opportunities, our education programs reduce the financial burden of tuition and other educational costs, empowering Atlanta firefighters to pursue continuing education opportunities while also enhancing retention efforts for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.
Academic Scholarships
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation’s Continuing Education Program is designed to provide up to $3,000 in scholarships to sworn firefighters pursuing higher education degrees. The purpose of the program is to support firefighters in furthering their education, enhancing their skills, and promoting leadership within the department. By offering financial assistance, the program helps reduce the barriers to education and encourages professional growth. Set to launch in the fall semester of 2025, there will be a formal application process and selection of scholarship recipients based on application responses, letters of recommendation, current academic progress, and professional standards.
Process:
Application Period:
The application period for academic scholarships will open March 1st and close May 31st of each calendar year.
Awardee Notification:
Scholarship recipients will be notified in June and the honorees will be awarded their monies by the 3rd week in July in anticipation of the fall (August) semester.
Tuition Reimbursement
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation (AFRF) is proud to offer a Tuition Reimbursement Program to support the educational pursuits of firefighters who are not recipients of our academic scholarships. Eligible firefighters who complete at least two academic terms (semesters or quarters) within the same academic year can receive a one-time reimbursement of up to $500. This reimbursement is provided to help offset the cost of tuition and will be disbursed annually in December.
Process:
Application Period:
The application period for tuition reimbursement will open August 1st and close November 15th each calendar year.
Awardee Notification:
Tuition reimbursement recipients will be notified in November and awarded their monies by the 1st week in December.
Junior Recruit - Youth Program
The Junior Recruit program aims to inspire and empower the next generation of firefighters, emergency responders, and community leaders. With dual enrollment through our education partner, the Atlanta Technical College, participants will earn national certifications, receive experiential training from professional firefighters, and enjoy the benefits of mentorship and fire department-related field trips. The goal of the program is to provide High School Juniors and Seniors with a direct career pathway to enter the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department by exposing students to fire industry insights, experiences, and best learning practices that will foster essential life skills, develop a strong sense of discipline, and build a spirit of resilience and teamwork through immersive firefighter experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continuing Education Frequently Asked Questions
How much financial assistance is available?
Answer: Eligible firefighters can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships through the program.
What types of degrees or programs are eligible for funding?
Answer: The scholarship is available for firefighters pursuing any higher education degree. This may include associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees from accredited institutions.
Can I apply if I have already started my degree program?
Answer: Yes, firefighters who are currently enrolled in a degree program are eligible to apply, provided they meet the other application requirements.
Can the scholarship be used for non-degree courses or certifications?
Answer: At this time, the scholarship is intended for degree-seeking programs only, not for standalone certifications or courses.
Tuition Reimbursement Program Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Tuition Reimbursement Program?
Answer: Sworn firefighters of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department who are actively enrolled in higher education programs and are not receiving scholarships from the AFRF are eligible to apply for reimbursement.
Can I apply for reimbursement multiple years in a row?
Answer: Yes, firefighters can apply for the reimbursement annually, provided they meet the eligibility requirements each year.
When is the reimbursement disbursed?
Answer: The reimbursement is disbursed annually in December, once the firefighter has met the eligibility criteria for that academic year.
Junior Recruit Program Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Answer: The program is open to High School Juniors and Seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in firefighting or emergency services.
Can participating in this program lead to a career with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department?
Answer?: Yes, one of the primary goals of the program is to create a career pathway into the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for the fire recruit position.
Are there any costs associated with the program?
Answer: There are no costs involved to the participants in the program. Specific details about costs will be shared during the application process.
For additional information on our education programs email: programs@atlfrf.org.
Please note: Successful completion of any program application does not guarantee program acceptance or funding. Additionally, all funding is available on a first come first serve basis according to total available program funding.