Monday, March 9, 2009

National Junior Firefighter Program Scholarship Application Period Now Open

The application period for the 2009 National Junior Firefighter Program scholarships, sponsored by Baskin-Robbins®, is now open. Ten $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to junior firefighters nationwide who demonstrate commitment and dedication to their local junior firefighter program and the fire service. The application and criteria for the competitive scholarships are available on the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) web site at http://juniors.nvfc.org/scholarships.php. Applications must be received by 5pm EDT on May 15.

Thanks to the support of Baskin-Robbins and the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation, which is dedicated to serving those who serve others – especially in times of crisis, the 2009 NVFC National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program is offering a combined total of $100,000 in scholarships to outstanding junior firefighters and grants to departments to support their junior firefighter programs. Hundreds of exceptional junior firefighters from across the country applied for last year's scholarships, and this year is expected to attract even more applicants.

New in 2009, the $50,000 in department grants will be awarded separately from the $50,000 in scholarships. The ten $5,000 grants sponsored by the Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation will help departments further develop or expand their existing junior firefighter program. The grant application period will open in April and close August 15. Additional information will be provided in the coming months.

Department members and junior firefighter program coordinators are encouraged to inform their department’s junior members about the scholarship opportunity. Scholarships can be applied to a two- or four-year institution of higher learning, a trade school, or a certification program. Students who are a senior in high school or who have graduated from high school within the past three years are eligible for the scholarship. For full program criteria, visit www.nvfc.org/juniors.

If your department has a junior firefighter program, or you or someone you know is an outstanding junior firefighter who is a high school senior or recent high school graduate, visit www.nvfc.org/juniors for application criteria and requirements. Learn more about the National Junior Firefighter Program at www.nvfc.org/juniors.



About the National Junior Firefighter Program
The NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program helps fire and EMS organizations nationwide develop, grow, and promote local programs that encourage youth participation in the fire and emergency services. In addition, youth can use the Program to find out how to join a local fire, rescue, or EMS organization, keep track of their hours of service, and earn exciting rewards after spending a set number of hours helping their department. The Program is supported by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, Baskin-Robbins, Tyco International, and Spartan Motors, Inc. Find out more at www.nvfc.org/juniors. About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.

About Baskin-Robbins
Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine’s 29th annual Franchise 500® ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,000 retail shops in 35 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. family of companies. For further information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com.

About The Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation
The Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation brings together a wide network of stakeholders, including our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees, crew members and employees, to support the service and leadership of emergency response organizations – especially in times of crisis. The Foundation supports emergency responders by providing financial assistance, building capacity, developing partnerships, encouraging volunteerism and honoring local heroes. To learn more about the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, please visit www.dunkinbrands.com/foundation. ###

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