Deadline for FASNY Applications Extended

ALBANY — Deadline for this year’s FASNY Higher Education Learning Plan applications has been extended until Feb. 21.

The statewide community college tuition reimbursement program is geared towards recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters throughout New York.

Under FASNY HELP, a person is eligible for up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement, in exchange for maintaining good grades, and fulfilling service requirements in a volunteer fire company.

The program is open to people who haven’t already earned a college degree; or haven’t taken 80 or more college credits. There is no restriction on the type of academic courses involved, and it can be on a full or part-time basis.

The program also covers online courses taken through Empire State College.

FASNY HELP funds can be utilized to cover tuition costs from the fall and spring semesters. Eligible students must maintain acceptable levels of training and volunteer activity, while attending school. They must also and fulfill a service requirement after they complete their course of study.

Those eligible 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.

“FASNY HELP has proven to be a tremendous success and a key tool for fire departments to boost their recruiting of the next generation of firefighters,” said President James Burns, of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, in a news release. “The program’s funding comes from our federal SAFER grant, which has driven recruitment initiatives throughout the state. We urge all interested students to sign up, as time is quickly running out to apply for this free program.”

Check www.fasny.com/index.php/membership/benefits/fasny-help/ for more information.