Fallen Soldier and First Responder Survivor Scholarships

For children and spouses of a fallen soldier or first responder, every day is Memorial Day. These brave men and women paid the ultimate price to protect the freedom and safety of their country. To honor their sacrifice, there is a wide range of scholarship programs available to the loved ones they left behind. Families of fallen or permanently disabled service members face hardships that many people cannot fathom. Over the past 35 years, approximately 25,000 children have lost a parent due to active duty military service. The majority of these fallen soldiers are men, which often leaves the surviving spouses as single mothers to carry the burden of supporting their families. If you or someone you know is a surviving child or spouse, check out these scholarships offered throughout the year.

Matthews and Swift Educational Trust Scholarships

Amount: $100,000

Deadline: Varies

Scholarship Description: This scholarship is available to children of members in good standing of the Knights of Columbus, who were killed or permanently disabled by hostile action while serving in the U.S. armed forces in a combat zone. Children of full-time firefighters and law enforcement officers, who while in the lawful performance of their duties, died as a result of criminal violence directed at them, are also eligible. Students must be entering their freshman year of a four-year, undergraduate program leading to a bachelor's degree at a Catholic college or Catholic university in the U.S. and apply prior to their 26th birthday.

NYS Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $24,880

Deadline: June 30, 2022

Scholarship Description: This scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers (including NYS Correction Officers), and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, have graduated from high school in the U.S. and planning to or studying at an approved post-secondary institution in New York State in an approved undergraduate program as a full-time student, and be in good academic standing.

First Responders Children's Foundation General Scholarship

Amount: $6,250

Deadline: June 15, 2022

Scholarship Description: First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.

The Graydon & Myrth Fox Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: March 11, 2023

Scholarship Description: Eligible applicants for this scholarship must demonstrate financial need, be pursuing a degree at an accredited college, university, or trade school, and be a veteran who has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, a surviving spouse, dependent child or grandchild of a U.S. Veteran. Preference will be given to wounded personnel or a surviving spouse, dependent child, or grandchild of personnel killed or wounded while on active duty. Renewal awards may be received for up to four years. Applicants must reapply for a renewal award.