Public Safety Scholarships

Applications for 2026 scholarships at Modesto Junior College will be available September 29, 2025. The final deadline to submit all required documentation and complete the online application is November 30, 2025. For more information regarding the MJC Scholarships Program, please contact the MJC Scholarships Office at (209) 575-7715.

Scholarships Available

Ernest & Bertha Bewly Award- Industrial Fire District
George McGowan Firefighters
Antwan Moore Memorial

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship

Under this scholarship, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer is eligible to receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant award.

Eligibility requirements beginning with 2024-2025:

Must have a calculated Student Aid Index (SAI) on the Student Submission Summary, and
Be less than 33 years old as of January 1 prior to the awarded year for which you are applying

(e.g., for the 2025-2026 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1. 2025, to be eligible)

For the purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Award, a public safety officer includes:

Law enforcement officer, firefighter, or chaplain
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee
Emergency management or civil defense agency employee
Member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew
Others as defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b)

For more information on this scholarship, and to view the different types of financial aid, visit the Financial Services website, or contact Student Financial Services at (209) 575-7700 or mjc_finaiad@mjc.edu

Fire Academy Expense Offset Program

Helping Your Gear Up for Success

We understand that the cost of pursuing your firefighting career can be a challenge. That's why the School of Public Safety is proud to offer the Expense Offset Program (EOP) for students applying to the Modesto Junior College Fire Academy. This program provides limited financial assistance toward the cost of required uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)- essentials for every cadet in the academy.

Why We're Offering This Opportunity

Thanks to current Omnibus Grant funding, we're able to invest in our students and reduce financial barriers to entry. We believe that commitment and capability- not financial limitations- should determine who gets to serve our communities as trained firefighters.

What You Need to Know

Total Fire Academy Cost: Approximately $5,308, which includes registration, material fees, uniform & equipment rental.
The EOP covers uniform & PPE expenses only.
The awards are based on financial need and are limited by available funding (thru Spring 2026).
Assistance is not guaranteed, but we strongly encourage all eligible students to apply.

How to Apply

To be considered, students must:

Complete the EOP application in full, when the Fire Academy application period opens.
Have a current year (2025-2026) FAFSA on file with MJC.
Include a typed statement (250+ words) explaining your need for assistance and why you qualify.
Submit this along with your Fire Academy application.

Note: Awarded funds will be paid directly to vendors for equipment and uniforms. Students will not receive direct cash disbursements.

Why This Matters

Removing financial obstacles means more students can:

Focus on training and learning without added financial stress.
Complete the program on time with all required gear.
Step confidently into a future career in fire service, ready to serve and protect.