F.O.C.U.S. Scholarship
The Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) is proud to offer its Fire-Service Opportunity and Career for Under-served Students (FOCUS) Scholarship. The scholarship program has been offered by LFD since 2014 and is intended to provide the opportunity at a successful career in the fire service to deserving students who may have not have the opportunity otherwise, due to financial hardship.
The fire service has provided many firefighters with a successful career and enriching experiences. It is the department’s hope that through this program the same can be afforded to even more potential firefighters.
The sponsorship on behalf of the Lakeland Fire Department Provides:
• Paid tuition to Ridge Career Center’s Fire Standard Program
• Paid books and materials necessary for required course work
• Paid uniforms required for fire standards program
• Direct mentorships by active duty LFD firefighters and administration
• Paid exam fees for all exams
The entire package is valued at over $3,500 of financial support, in addition to the priceless mentorship from active duty members of the Lakeland Fire Department. The scholarship program was born from the department’s desire to help those in need in its community, while at the same time addressing the need to develop a workforce that is more representative of its community.
The program is not a guarantee for employment; however, successful graduates are encouraged to apply with LFD upon their successful completion of fire standards and meeting all necessary requirements. The responsibility of succeeding is entirely on the selected candidates.
The 2021 application period is now closed. Please check back for updates regarding the 2022 F.O.C.U.S. scholarship timeline.