Deadline for FASNY tuition reimbursement program extended

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York has extended the deadline for its Higher Education Learning Plan for the 2015 semester to Feb. 20.

In 2011, FASNY unveiled the initiative, which is a statewide community college tuition reimbursement program geared towards recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters throughout New York.

 “FASNY HELP has been a tremendous success and a vital initiative for fire departments to boost their recruiting of the next generation of firefighters,” FASNY President Robert McConville said. “HELP funding comes from our federal SAFER grant, which has driven recruitment initiatives throughout the state. We urge all interested students to sign up, and apply for this tuition reimbursement program before the February 20th deadline.”

Under FASNY HELP, an individual who hasn’t already achieved a college degree, or has not taken 80 or more college credits, is eligible for up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement in exchange for maintaining good grades and fulfilling service requirements in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) the FASNY HELP student-volunteer firefighter can pursue either on a full-time or part-time basis. Starting with the Fall 2013 semester, FASNY HELP was expanded to cover online courses taken through Empire State College.

FASNY HELP funds can be utilized for tuition costs incurred in the fall and spring semesters. Eligible student-volunteers must maintain acceptable levels of training and volunteer activity while attending school and fulfill a service requirement after they complete their course of study. They must attend the closest community college or one within a 50-mile radius of their residence. Empire State College’s inclusion in the program has expanded students’ options.

Due to a variety of factors, many volunteer fire departments are experiencing the need to recruit and retain more members. Tuition reimbursement can be an effective incentive for people to volunteer in their local community.

FASNY HELP is made possible by a $4.2 million dollar U.S. Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant awarded to FASNY.

For more information on the FASNY HELP program, visit fasny.com/resources/fasny-help/.