Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship helps active Maryland fire, ambulance, and rescue personnel pursue accredited study connected to emergency service. The 2026–27 application is open through October 15, 2026 in the Maryland College Aid Processing System. Eligible programs lead to a degree in fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire service technology or fire service management. The annual award covers at least 50 percent of the student’s actual tuition and mandatory fees. It cannot exceed the resident undergraduate tuition-and-fee level at an eligible two- or four-year University System of Maryland public institution, excluding the University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Maryland, Baltimore. Volunteer applicants in a jurisdiction with a Length of Service Award Program must have earned at least 50 LOSAP points across two or more categories during the tax year before the award year. Volunteers in jurisdictions without LOSAP must meet the equivalent county or municipal points standard. Career applicants must have worked at least 1,000 hours for an eligible organization during that tax year. Initial applicants submit the MDCAPS Riley application, service verification, acceptance documentation, and applicable points records. Awardees also sign a promissory note and employment-obligation agreement. Renewal applicants receive priority, must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and satisfactory academic progress, and are ranked with other applicants by the date their complete application was submitted.

Eligibility

• Be actively engaged as a career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance member, or rescue squad member serving a Maryland community
• If a volunteer, record at least 50 qualifying LOSAP or county or municipal points in the prior tax year
• If a volunteer, earn the required points in at least two different service categories
• If a career member, work at least 1,000 hours for a qualifying fire, ambulance, or rescue organization in the prior tax year
• Pursue an eligible degree in fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management, or qualifying public safety administration
• Submit the Riley application and all requested documents through MDCAPS by October 15, 2026
• Provide service verification, acceptance documentation, and LOSAP or equivalent points records when applicable
• If awarded, sign the Riley Fire promissory note and employment-obligation agreement
• For renewal, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and meet satisfactory academic progress requirements