The Silver Shield Foundation is now accepting applications for their annual scholarship award, which consists of a college scholarship in the amount of $5000, renewable annually for up to four years to one member’s college-bound child. The winner is chosen by lottery. To be eligible, a student must be the natural or adopted child of an FDNY member currently serving as a Firefighter, Fire Officer, EMT, Paramedic, EMS Officer, Wiper, Engineer, Pilot, Fire Marshal or Supervising Fire Marshal. Grandchildren, step-children, children of retirees, deceased members or civilians are not eligible to enter. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school in 2024 and be accepted at an accredited four-year college to matriculate in the summer or fall of 2024.

To enter, the student should write his/her first, middle and last name, name of high school and graduation date, name of college and start date and the name of their FDNY parent on a piece of paper and sign the page. This page should then be sealed in a plain white envelope with no address or markings. Place the unmarked envelope in another envelope addressed to: Evelyn Tesoriero, Assistant Commissioner, Family Assistance Unit, Rm. 8S-10, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Write the parent’s FDNY reference number across the seal of the outer envelope. Only one entry will be accepted per child. Envelopes must be received by March 22, 2024. For additional information, email familyassistance@fdny.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-999-1473.