Your experience brought you here.
Your education can take you further.
The Fitch EMS Foundation’s Academic Advancement programming invests in professionals who are ready to deepen their expertise, expand their leadership capacity, and continue advancing the professions they serve. These scholarships support degree-seeking education for experienced professionals whose work, service, and leadership demonstrate a commitment to continued growth. Rather than defining leadership by a particular title or career path, Academic Advancement awards recognize the many ways professionals contribute to stronger organizations, systems, and communities.
Awards are offered through individual scholarship programs, each with its own purpose, eligibility criteria, award amount, and application cycle.
Upcoming Academic Advancement Awards
EMS Graduate Leadership Scholarship
The EMS Graduate Leadership Scholarship supports experienced EMS professionals pursuing master’s-level education that will strengthen their leadership and contribute to the continued advancement of EMS. The 2026 award will be up to $35,000. For the 2026–2027 award cycle, applicants must live in and attend an eligible educational institution in the United States or Canada.
Application Dates: Aug. 24-Sept. 24, 2026
Scholarship Announcement: November 2026
Dr. Jeff Clawson Emergency Communications Academic Scholarship
Created to support the educational advancement of emergency communications professionals, this scholarship provides substantial support toward an eligible associate’s or bachelor’s degree for professionals building their careers and leadership within emergency communications. The 2026 Award is up to $20,000.
Application Dates: More Information Coming Soon!
Made Possible Through Partnership
Academic Advancement scholarships are made possible through the generosity and shared commitment of organizations and individuals who believe in investing directly in the people shaping the future of EMS and emergency communications.
The Fitch EMS Foundation is proud to offer these opportunities in partnership with Advanced Medical Transit of Central Illinois, Priority Dispatch, and other supporters committed to professional and educational advancement.
About Academic Advancement Awards
Academic Advancement awards are designed to make meaningful educational opportunities more accessible to professionals who are already contributing to their fields and are ready to continue growing. Each scholarship is administered by the Fitch EMS Foundation and has its own eligibility requirements and selection process. Applicants should review the individual scholarship page for complete program details before applying. Questions about Academic Advancement? Contact [email protected].
Being a Fitch Foundation Award Recipient opens the door to a community of high-performing peers and mentors.