Thursday, Jan 1, 2026
Tuesday, Mar 15, 2026 5:00 p.m.
FAQ's - Commonly asked questions, and important links for applicants
Merit Scholar Awards: $40,000 ($10,000 each year in college)
Merit Scholar Runner-up Awards: $7,500
The Best Essay Award: $7,500
The Community Service Award: $7,500
REQUIREMENTS – APPLICANTS MUST BE:
A) Dependent children or stepchildren of active or fallen or permanently disabled, LAFD sworn employees who have completed probation, AND
B) High school seniors who will be enrolled as full-time students in an accredited four-year college or university in the upcoming academic year.
The LAFD Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to dependent children of LAFD firefighters. Annually, the LAFD Scholarship Fund selects Merit Scholars from among applicants that are: a) dependent children or stepchildren of active or fallen or permanently disabled, LAFD sworn employees who have completed probation, and b) high school seniors who will be enrolled as full-time students in an accredited four-year college or university in the upcoming academic year.
A completed Application, Official Transcript and Recommendation/Grid Forms are required to be considered at the time of filing.
LAFD Scholarship Fund Overview
The LAFD Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance to the dependent children of Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters. Each year, the Fund selects Merit Scholars from applicants who meet the following criteria:
Dependents (children or stepchildren) of active, fallen, or permanently disabled LAFD sworn employees who have completed probation, and High school seniors who will enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university in the upcoming academic year.
To be considered, applicants must submit a completed Application, an official high school transcript, and the required Recommendation/Grid Forms at the time of filing.
About LAFD Scholarship Fund - Learn more about our previous scholarship winners, board, and the history of the fund.
2025 LAFD Merit Scholar Awards - Learn more about our 2025 scholarship winners.
Merit Scholar Award
Merit Scholars receive $40,000 in financial support — awarded as $10,000 per year while they remain enrolled and making normal progress toward a degree. Merit Scholar Runners-up receive a one-time $7,500 grant.
These awards are based solely on merit. Academic achievement is the most significant factor, but the all-civilian Selection Committee also evaluates personal character, leadership, service, and extracurricular accomplishments. The LAFD is not involved in the selection of Merit Scholars.
The Selection Committee typically meets in April to identify finalists. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview held in April or May in the Los Angeles area. Applicants are encouraged to ensure they can attend an in-person interview during this period. Winners are notified shortly after interviews conclude.
Best Essay Award
All Merit Scholar applicants must submit an essay as part of their application. This essay provides the Selection Committee with meaningful insight into each student's experiences, goals, and character.
Based on these submissions, the Committee selects one Best Essay Award recipient, who receives $7,500. The Best Essay winner does not need to be a Merit Scholar, but a completed Application Form is required to be eligible.
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award honors applicants who demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving their community. This $7,500 award is co-funded in partnership with the LAFD Foundation.
The Community Service Award winner does not need to be a Merit Scholar but must submit a completed Application Form to be considered.