First responders are designated and trained to respond to emergency situations. They do their best to keep the public safe. Public responders include police officers, sheriff deputies, firefighters, and EMS personnel. If you are a first responder or a child of a first responder, there are scholarships for you.

Dependent Children Scholarship Program
Sponsor: Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: September 1, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to Tennessee residents who are dependent children of Tennessee law enforcement officers, firemen, or an emergency medical service technicians who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment. Applicant must be an incoming or current undergraduate student at a Tennessee institution of higher education.

Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers & Firemen Scholarship
Sponsor: Mississippi State Office of Financial Aid
Amount: Varies
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to students enrolled full-time at the undergraduate level at any state-supported (public) college or university in Mississippi. Applicant must be a certified dependent child (under the age of 23) or spouse of any Mississippi law enforcement officer, full-time firefighter or volunteer firefighter who suffered fatal injuries or wounds or became permanently and totally disabled which occurred in the performance of the official and appointed duties of his or her office.