In an effort to honor those who have lost their lives while serving the public, national organizations have launched financial aid programs that provide scholarships to government employee family members.
For instance, the Vantagepoint Public Employee Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $65,000 in financial assistance to a total of 23 recipients, who included the children and spouses of fallen police officers, firefighters and other public service workers. These scholarships will help winners cover expenses at two- and four-year schools, including tuition, housing, books, fees and other costs.
Individuals were selected based on academic achievement, work experience, leadership skills, need for financial assistance and their roles in extracurricular and community services activities. Among this year's winners, recipients have enrolled in degree programs specializing in film studies, fire science, evolutionary biology and criminal justice.
"We appreciate the opportunity to pay tribute to the surviving children and spouses of public employees who lost their lives in service to their communities," said Joan McCallen, president of the scholarship fund. She added that "we are honored to award scholarships this year to so many hard working and deserving students."
According to Sallie Mae, a college savings company, the average American family covers approximately 15 percent of the college expenses through a combination of grants and scholarships.
