Receive tuition reimbursement up to $8,000 for a two year degree and up to $16,000 for a four year degree.

It is not necessary that you pay the expenses "out-of-pocket" in order to be reimbursed. Original payment of the aforementioned expenses can be made with financial aid.

Learn about financial aid resources available to you and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.osfa.la.gov

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• Does the program have a cut-off date?
  Yes. All requirements both educational and volunteer must be complete by May of 2013.
• Can I get the reimbursement before completing both volunteer and educational requirements?
  No. The program is designed to encourage completion. Please check out links on the web site for financial aid that can be repaid with the reimbursement.
• I have been in a VFD for several years now can I credit these years toward the program?
  The reimbursement is for recruitment and retention you must start your VFD requirements, either 2 or 4 years, after you are accepted in the program.
• Can I apply this fall semester?
  Yes.
• Will the program pay for additional semesters?
  The program is based on a four semester two year program and an eight semester four year program. The maximum reimbursement you can receive is $8.000 for a two year program and $16,000 for a four program.
• What if it takes me more than two years to complete the associate’s degree?
  No problem. You will be allowed the extra time as long as you remain a student in good academic standing progressing toward a degree and have disclosed your plans and they have been accepted.
• Will my volunteer obligations be lengthened if I take longer to complete the educational requirements?
  No, the volunteer requirements are two years for a two year education program.
• If I have completed two years of a four year program ( I am half way through and have half of my degree required hours) can I apply for reimbursement for the last half of my degree?
  Yes, as long as you disclose this in your application and complete the two year volunteer requirements. You may only receive reimbursement for education completed starting fall of 2009.
• Can I get the last half of my two year education program paid for?
  You may be accepted in the program even if you have completed semesters. You will only be eligible for reimbursement for education received as of fall 2009. You must still complete two years of volunteer requirements
• Can I skip a semester to do the volunteer work?
  Yes, you can be accepted and remain eligible as long as your plans are disclosed in the application.
• Can I skip a year in my volunteer obligation to attend college away from home?
  Yes, you must disclose your plans in your application and inform us of any changes to remain eligible.
• If I fail to complete one of the requirements as planned, can I still remain in the program?
  Your educational and volunteer requirements will be tracked each semester any changes to your schedule must be approved. You may be moved out of the program or become a probation applicant (see criteria document)
• I am already an EMT or Fire Fighter I, does that complete the requirement and will I still have to do two years of volunteer service?
  Yes, and Yes.
• I am enrolling in a Paramedic program and EMT is part of the program. Can I get reimbursement for the EMT portion?
  Yes, but you must complete and receive a Paramedic certification and complete your two year VFD requirement. You may not receive full reimbursement without an associates degree.
• How can I complete my volunteer requirements if I am going to school away from home?
  You may volunteer at a VFD near the school you are attending. Your volunteer requirements do not have to be concurrent with educational requirements. If your schedule is accepted into the program you are eligible for reimbursement.