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.
Continuing Education Scholarship Program
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation’s Continuing Education Scholarship 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. Scholarships are available for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as paramedic and professional development programs. By offering financial assistance, the program helps reduce the barriers to education and encourages professional growth.
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
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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.
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Can the scholarship be used for non-degree courses or certifications? What types of degrees or programs are eligible for funding?
Answer: Yes, below please find the types of allocations that are available:
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Up to $3,000 – Associate’s or Bachelor’s (fire-related)
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Up to $1,500 – Master’s or Professional Development
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Up to $500 – Non-fire-related degrees
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 and that have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
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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.
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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.
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For additional information on our education programs email: programs@atlfrf.org.​​
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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.