SCHOLARSHIPS
FRCF scholarships are a potent tool for helping children of first responders reach new heights and realize their fullest potential. Thanks to the unwavering support of our generous donors and partners over more than two decades, our scholarships have helped these children overcome obstacles unique to first responder families, making a profound difference in their lives.
“The FRCF Scholarship not only supported my dream of becoming a nurse but also allowed me to honor my father’s sacrifice. It’s a testament to the incredible opportunities that open up when someone believes in you.”
— SAMANTHA SWITZER
Common challenges
FRCF scholarships provide invaluable opportunities that may have otherwise seemed out of reach. Whether it’s pursuing higher education at a college, trade school or graduate program, our scholarships alleviate the financial burden and empower first responder children to fearlessly follow their passions.
Our scholarships are more than just financial aid; they’re catalysts for transformation. We’ve seen firsthand that moment of realization when a student accepts one of our scholarships; it ignites their confidence and self-belief as these children move into adulthood. For children who have lost a first responder parent, an FRCF scholarship represents even more: it’s their chance to make that parent proud and to honor their legacy. The enduring significance of that moment shines through in testimonials from our scholarship recipients.
Jadyn Cunningham
CSX Pride in Service Scholarship
An incoming junior from Barrington, New Hampshire studying Nursing at University of Southern Maine.
Jadyn is the daughter of a medically retired firefighter/paramedic with the City of Dover Fire and Rescue. Her father suffered a heart attack while on the job.
Biography: Jadyn is active in a variety of committees including the USM Student Nurse Association, Student Athletic Diversity/Inclusion/Equality Committee and the Student Athletic Committee, with a focus on planning and fundraising for the Special Olympics. She also serves as an USM Admissions Student Ambassador and Orientation Leader. After college, she hopes to work as a nurse in pediatrics or cardiac care.
Tyler Newsome
SBP Children of Heroes Scholarship
Tyler is an upcoming freshman from Kissimmee, Florida studying Business Administration at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Tyler’s father is a DEA Special Agent with the Department of Justice.
Tyler is an accomplished athlete that was the varsity captain of both his basketball and track & field teams. He was also involved in multiple leadership and volunteering opportunities with BETA Club, Christian Life Center, Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola and Young Black Men of Excellence. He is a certified Internet Web Professional. “As a young man with big dreams, I have always challenged myself and those around me to exceed expectations. My hope is to gain some corporate working experience to widen my business acumen and eventually start my own business. It is important as a future leader to develop my critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. My long-term goals are to obtain my undergraduate and graduate degree in business administration.”
Iroquois Dickerson
TIAA Scholarship
Iroquois is an upcoming freshman from Pennsylvania, studying at Morgan State University.
Iroquois’s father is a police officer.
Iroquis is part of the Kappa Alpha Psi Instructional Leadership League and works as a camp counselor. “I have always been proud of my father for playing a huge role in my life. Judging by my closest friends, I was one of the most fortunate to have an active father in my life.
Lindsay Murillo
PwC Charitable Foundation Scholarship
Lindsay is an upcoming freshman from New York, studying Nursing at Mercy College.
Lindsay’s mother is a former NYPD detective that was wounded in the line of duty.
Lindsay has extensive life-guarding experience and is a “Celebrate Birth” volunteer. She is also a member of the Black Student Union and Lakeland swimming club. She has also been a leadership trainer at a summer camp. “The decisions I made as a daughter and caregiver moved me to accept and take action for my mother to receive the best possible care.
This experience has now made me realize that I want to give back and help others, as my mom did. That’s what inspired me to go into medicine and seek a degree in nursing.”
Michael Dichter
SBP Children of Heroes Scholarship
Michael is an upcoming freshman from Lynbrook, New York, studying Business at Syracuse University.
Michael’s father is an NYPD detective, on line of duty disability due to 9/11 related tongue and neck cancer.
Michael was a member of Key Club and was on the track and basketball teams. He has also spent his time volunteering for different school events, youth sports practices and Geiger Park. He is also an entrepreneur and started his own shoe resale business. “My future career goal is to do something in the business field, and I cannot wait for my next step studying business in college. I have aspirations in entrepreneurship and finance and would love to start my own business. I will always push myself to the maximum potential and remember this time when things were hard with my dad fighting cancer and dealing with the pandemic. We were always determined to never give up.”
Matthew Rivera
CSX Pride in Service Scholarship
An incoming senior studying Health Services Management and Leadership at West Virginia University.
Matthew is the son of a parole officer with the Fugitive Squad.
During his time at WVU, Matthew has been a member of the Honors College, on the President’s List and Deans List three times. He is an active participant in many activities and clubs: National Society of Leadership, School of Public Health Ambassador, Delta Sigma Pi and Leadership Development Organization. He also volunteers at the Spotswood Fire Department, the local Food Bank and Knights of Columbus serving people with disabilities Christmas dinner.
Kacey Pupo
Luis Alvarez Scholarship
Kacey is an upcoming freshman from New York, studying Forensic Studies at Loyola University Maryland.
Kacey’s father was an NYPD lieutenant who suffered a 9/11-related line of duty death in 2012, due to multiple myeloma.
Kacey is highly involved in a multitude of activities: she is a Junior States of America PR Officer, a Student Athlete Association-President and a four-year varsity lacrosse player. She has also spent many hours volunteering for Pandemic Projects Club and helping senior citizens at Dowling Gardens. Kacey lost her father when she was only eight years old, but the legacy of his commitment to serve others has continued with her. “Pursuing this path allows me to live my life through the values my father instilled in me but in my unique way. I am not the girl who lives every day without a father, I am the girl who carries out her father’s legacy in her own way.” Casey has plans to become a special agent in the FBI with her degree in Forensic Studies and to continue on to complete a masters degree in Forensic Psychology.
Envisioning possibilities, creating opportunities
We understand that success reaches far beyond the classroom walls. That’s why last year we made a significant enhancement to our Scholarship program: Scholars Council. Each FRCF Scholar becomes a member of the Council the moment they receive their scholarship. As part of the Council, Scholars gain access to a network of influential professionals and industry leaders who share their personal and professional stories through a series of virtual presentations.
In addition, we provide Scholars with access to a range of valuable resources, empowering them to explore career paths, develop life skills and gain invaluable insights into their chosen fields.
Vince Bennett, Jr. Scholarship
Matthew Favela
Junior from Hawaii, studying Data Science/Software Engineering at Chapman University
“My dad, Steve Favela, was a Solo Bike Officer for the Honolulu Police Department. I was three years old when my dad passed away, so my memories of him are foggy. But through home videos, pictures and stories shared with me by my mom, older siblings, grandparents, and the men and women in blue that worked with my dad, a crystal clear picture emerges of a humble and hard working man who loved his family and community. One of my favorite stories told to me by one of my dad’s police friends is of an incident in which she was in a car accident while on duty and her leg was pinned underneath her police vehicle.
My dad was first on the scene and he lifted the car by himself so that his fellow police officer could slide out from under the car. She refers to my dad as her superhero and that pretty much sums up who he was. My dad’s love for his family and his country and his love to serve has been the biggest inspiration to me, and so I have spent a lot of my time throughout high school and in college volunteering my time within my community and giving back as much as I can.”
Matthew Murphy
FRCF Scholarship Student, Northeastern University Class of 2024
My father was a police officer who responded on 9/11. The air at Ground Zero was not safe to breathe. He now suffers from 9/11-related illnesses. He has a horrible cough that I have heard throughout my entire childhood, and it only gets worse.
Sometimes his coughing attacks are so bad that they leave him lying on the ground. I’ve grown up watching this happen, without being able to help him, and it’s terrifying.
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