KEMSA Scholarships

KEMSA scholarship funds are intended to assist those hoping to enter the emergency medical services job force or for established members of the EMS community looking to advance their education and/or certification level.

Applications are due February 15, May 15, August 15 and October 15.

Scholarships will be given for:

1. Higher education EMS programs - must be a KEMSA member to be eligible
2. EMR, EMT, AEMT or Paramedic programs - can be a KEMSA member, spouse, child or grandchild of a member

Scholarship Qualifications (in addition to the qualifications above):

1. a Kansas resident;
2. not a previous winner in the last four years - initial education is exempt from this requirement;
3. demonstrate financial need;
4. pursuing a career or looking to further a career in emergency medical services.
5. Scholarship application forms will be reviewed and approved by the KEMSA Scholarship Committee. Final decisions on scholarship recipients will be made by the KEMSA Board of Directors when needed. 
6. Scholarship application forms shall be submitted ONLINE.

Scholarship Award Process

1. Scholarship application forms are due on February 15, May 15, August 15 and October 15.
2. The review period will be within 30 days of the deadline.
3. The scholarship committee will only review fully completed scholarship applications which comply to the directions of the scholarship application form. Application packets which fail to confirm to the scholarship application requirements by the due date will be considered incomplete.
4. All applicants will receive decision notification, in writing, within thirty (30) days of review.
5. Scholarship winners will be recognized in the KEMSA magazine, The Chronicle.
6. Scholarship funds shall be distributed to selected recipients’ training facility or college within 30 days after the committee approval. 
7. First-time scholarship applicants will be given priority each year.
8. The KEMSA Scholarship Committee will award scholarships for the cost of the program, up to $1,500. The number of scholarships will be determined by the amount of funding available.

Application Requirements

In addition to the online application form, you are required to submit:

1. Proof of acceptance into an EMS program
2. One professional letter of recommendation, i.e. your last instructor or last employer
3. One page essay (single or double spaced) containing the following:
   - Current and past involvement in EMS, if any
   - Career goals or future plans in EMS
   - Community involvement
   - Why you wish to pursue a specific EMS program
   - Why you would like a scholarship or financial needs
4. A 250 word (or less) biography stating information about your previous and/or current EMS experience, a brief account of activities you are involved in, how you got interested in EMS, and goals for the future.
5. A current high quality digital headshot.

Your biography, along with your photo, will be published in the KEMSA Chronicle magazine and will not be used in the selection process.

Submissions

Submit your application ONLINE here.   

If you have questions, contact Kari Presley.