Program Overview
The Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association (WPFA) Tuition Assistance Program is designed to support individuals pursuing post-secondary education through college-level coursework or qualifying technical school programs.
Through this program, WPFA works in cooperation with sponsoring partners to assist applicants who demonstrate a commitment to education, professional growth, and service within the fire and emergency services community.
Eligible technical school programs must be a minimum of 18 months in length.
Purpose of the Tuition Assistance Program
The objective of the Tuition Assistance Program is to help qualified applicants further their education in a way that supports their personal goals while also strengthening the future of the fire and emergency services.
Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate:
- Financial need
- Motivation and initiative
- A clear connection between their education and service to emergency services
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- The applicant, parent, or grandparent must be a member in good standing of the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association (WPFA)
- Children of firefighters killed in the line of duty in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are also eligible
- The applicant must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
How to Apply
Applicants are required to complete all sections of the Tuition Assistance Application and submit the required supporting materials.
Each application must include:
- A completed application form
- A written statement of approximately 300 words explaining:
- Why the applicant is applying for tuition assistance
- How the selected courses support their goals and objectives
- How the education will benefit the fire and emergency services
- A list of any college credits already obtained
- A transcript, if available
Applications are reviewed based on need, initiative, and overall alignment with the program’s purpose. Applicants may be asked to participate in a personal interview if requested by the Tuition Assistance Committee.
Note: Applications must be submitted annually to be considered.
Application Deadline & Submission
Completed applications and all supporting materials must be received by the Association’s Monthly Meeting date on the third Saturday in June.
Applications should be mailed to:
Thomas M. Shank
Executive Director / Secretary, WPFA
P.O. Box 504
New Kensington, PA 15068-0504
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Application Deadline
Third Saturday in June
Awards Announced
WPFA Annual Convention
Payment Issued By
May 31 (following year)
Award Announcement
Applicants will be notified of their application status by mail. The names of successful applicants will be officially announced at the WPFA Annual Convention.
Recipients are encouraged to attend the Awards Ceremony.
Tuition assistance awards:
- Are valid for one year only
- Vary in amount, as determined by the Tuition Assistance Committee
Payment of Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance payments will be issued after satisfactory completion of the approved coursework and no later than May 31 of the following year.
Prior to payment, recipients must submit:
A final transcript showing course completion
Copies of tuition and textbook invoices
Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to remain eligible for payment.
Ready to Apply for Tuition Assistance?
Download the application and review the program rules before the June deadline.
Questions About the Program?
For questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, or deadlines, please contact the WPFA Office or a member of the Tuition Assistance Committee.