Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association Scholarship

The Wisconsin Security Association (WISA), is pleased to announce the availability of two college scholarships for graduating seniors whose parents are full-time, active members of a Wisconsin police or fire department. One $1,500 Youth Scholarship will be awarded to a son/daughter of an active-duty police department member and one to a son/daughter of an active-duty fire department member. Since 2010 WISA has awarded $31,000 in scholarships.

A first place winner will be chosen from the Wisconsin Association two awardees and will be submitted to the Electronic Security Association for competition for one of two national college scholarships. The first place national winner will receive $7,500 and the second place national winner receives $2,500.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Youth Scholarship Program. All high schools, fire departments, and police departments in Wisconsin have been emailed the Youth Scholarship application. Schools and fire and police departments are encouraged to post the scholarship application form on their websites. The application form includes submission information and the rules and eligibility requirements. WISA application deadline is Friday March 5, 2021. Applications must be sent on or before this deadline to be accepted.

Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, extracurricular participation and the essay. In addition to completing the application and submitting the appropriate documentation, each student must write an essay explaining “What it means to me to have my parent or guardian involved in securing our community.”

Rules and Eligibility
1. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and not older than 20. He or she must be a graduating high school senior who will receive a diploma from an accredited high school. Home schooled students and students attending military or boarding schools are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be accepted for admission to an accredited college or university, matriculating the following year.
2. Each eligible student must have a father, mother or natural guardian who meets the following qualifications: a. Parent must be a full-time paid member of the police or sheriff’s department or fire department. Parent/guardian may also be a volunteer member of a fire department. b. Parent or guardian must be an active duty police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or EMT (public sector). Children of administrative staff do not qualify. c. Children of DHS, FBI and other Federal employees do not qualify. d. Children of reserve officers, part-time sheriff’s deputies and retired, or deceased employees do not qualify.
3. Each student must submit a fully completed and signed application. The application may be submitted first, followed by other required documents. Application and all other required documents must be received on or before the deadline to be accepted. Failure to follow instructions can result in disqualification.
4. Students must submit the following: a. Completed and signed application b. Essay (typed) c. Transcripts from the school (or parent if home schooled) that lists the student’s grade point average. GPA must be in a standard 4.0 or 0-100 percent scale or conversion method must be provided. d. Proof of acceptance to a college or university (letter/certificate acceptable; does not have to be the student’s intended college or university). e. Proof of parent’s occupation (copy of ID or supervisory letter on station letterhead acceptable). f. Copies of official SAT and/or ACT test score results. (These may be included on and sent with official high school transcripts). g. Résumé listing community service, academic prizes, awards, hobbies, extracurricular activities and work history. h. Proof of verified community service. i. Letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, teacher or other outside agency which speaks to the student’s character.
5. All materials become the property of the Wisconsin Security Association (WISA). By submitting an application and essay, the student grants permission to publish any and all essays. Applicants also agree that if they win, they will cooperate in publicity efforts, including (but not limited to) participating in interviews with state and national communications, local, trade and national press, and submitting photos for inclusion in Wisconsin Security Association (Rampart) publications, press materials and online. Applicants will make every effort to meet with the Wisconsin Security Association (WISA) for an award presentation ceremony. (Attendance at such an event is not a requirement but is encouraged.)
6. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, community service, extracurricular participation and the essay. All decisions are final. The score is based on the following:
• 20 POINTS: Grade Point Average (unweighted)
• 15 POINTS: SAT or ACT Scores
• 35 POINTS: Essay
• 20 POINTS: Verified Community Service
• 10 POINTS: Academic Prizes, Awards, Hobbies, School and Extracurricular Activities/Clubs