Foundation Scholarships

Supporting the next generation of Wisconsin fire and emergency service professionals through educational scholarships that encourage continued learning, professional growth, and leadership.

2026 Scholarship Applications Are Closed

The application period for the 2026 WSFCA Foundation Scholarship Program closed on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Scholarship descriptions, eligibility requirements, and application instructions remain available below for reference. Information about future scholarship opportunities will be announced when available.

About the Scholarship Program

The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association Foundation Scholarship Program was developed to provide financial assistance to students enrolled or enrolling in eligible Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and Management degree programs at accredited Wisconsin colleges and universities.

These scholarship opportunities are made possible through generous donations from the Blooming Grove Fire Department Alumni, the Rock County Fire Officers Association, and funds raised through the WSFCA Annual Conference Golf Outing.

FOUR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Each of the four 2026 scholarships provided up to $1,000 for one academic year, awarded at $500 per semester for up to two semesters, subject to scholarship eligibility and academic advancement requirements.

Available Scholarship Programs

The following four scholarship opportunities were offered for 2026. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and areas of emphasis.

General Scholarship Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission and enrollment requirements of an eligible degree program at an accredited Wisconsin college or university, along with the requirements of the specific scholarship.

2026 Application Materials

• A completed scholarship application submitted in its entirety.
• Three letters of recommendation from separate sources, such as school counselors, administrators, teachers, community members, civic organizations, emergency service organizations, or employers.
• An official high school and/or college transcript, except for Continuing Education scholarship applicants.
• A recent photograph for possible publication in Wisconsin Fire Chief magazine.
• Compliance with all application instructions and program requirements. Failure to comply may result in ineligibility.

Scholarship Selection & Award Payments

Recipients are selected on a competitive basis according to the criteria established for each scholarship. The WSFCA Foundation Scholarship Committee makes the final selection decisions.

For the 2026 award cycle, recipients were required to provide proof of accepted enrollment in the fall 2026 semester before payment. Scholarship awards were not retroactive and could not be applied to semesters already completed.

Following enrollment verification, the recipient would receive $500 directly at the beginning of each eligible semester, for up to two semesters. Second-semester funding was contingent on successful academic advancement and continued eligibility.

Recipients were required to provide a first-semester transcript and a letter from the program director or designee confirming academic standing and eligibility to advance.

Individual Scholarship Details

Blooming Grove Alumni Scholarship

Established in 2016 through a $50,000 donation from the Blooming Grove Fire Department Alumni and the Town of Blooming Grove, this scholarship advances education in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services.

The scholarship supports eligible full-time students and adult learners enrolled in Fire or EMS Services degree programs at accredited colleges or universities. Preference is given to qualifying applicants from Dane County or south central Wisconsin, particularly those attending Madison College.

The scholarship provides $500 per semester, up to $1,000 for one academic year. Enrollment verification and satisfactory academic advancement are required. The scholarship is offered annually, and students may apply for and receive awards in multiple years.

Historical note: The original detailed scholarship description references fall 2026 enrollment, while the general 2026 program requirements reference fall 2026. Applicants should follow the requirements published for the applicable award cycle.

Rock County Fire Officers Association Scholarship

This scholarship supports students pursuing an Associate Degree in Fire Science and/or Emergency Medical Services who are from Rock County or the south central Wisconsin area.

Applicants enrolling or continuing in an eligible Associate Degree program at Blackhawk Technical College receive priority consideration during the evaluation process.

WSFCA-F Statewide Fire Science Degree Scholarship

The Statewide Fire Science Degree Scholarship supports students pursuing an Associate Degree in Fire Science and/or Emergency Medical Services at any Wisconsin technical college.

Preference is given to applicants from communities whose local Fire and/or EMS provider is an active member of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association.

WSFCA-F Statewide Continuing Education Scholarship

The Continuing Education Scholarship supports individuals already employed in emergency services who are returning to school to pursue an Associate, Bachelor's, or Master's degree through an applicable program at a Wisconsin two- or four-year institution.

Eligible academic programs may include, but are not limited to:

• Fire Science
• Fire and Emergency Services Management
• Leadership and Organizational Development
• Public Administration

2026 Application & Recognition Information

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, applications could be completed online through WSFCA or mailed to the Foundation office with the required supporting materials.

Mailing Address:
WSFCA Foundation
11801 W Silver Spring Drive, Suite 200
Milwaukee, WI 53225

Award Notification: The 2026 scholarship recipients were scheduled to be notified in early June.

Award Recognition: Awardees were invited to accept their awards at the WSFCA Foundation President's Dinner at the Baird Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Attendance was optional and did not affect scholarship eligibility. The Blooming Grove scholarship information also identified the WSFCA Annual Golf Outing as a possible recognition event.

About the WSFCA Foundation

The Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association Foundation was established to promote and facilitate the education of Wisconsin fire service personnel with fireground command and control responsibilities, helping them perform their duties efficiently and effectively with particular emphasis on first responder safety.

Everyone goes home safely, every call, every day.

Questions About Foundation Scholarships?

For questions about the scholarship program or information regarding future application opportunities, contact the WSFCA Foundation.

Randall Pickering, Executive Director
Phone: (608) 332-9462
Email: foundation@wsfca.com