The Erie Community Foundation and The County of Erie Establish an Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Fund
December 16, 2021
On December 16, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie Area Council of Governments Executive Director Jessica Horan-Kunco and Erie Community Foundation President & CEO Karen Bilowith announced the creation of a new scholarship.
The new Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Fund will benefit local individuals who meet the designated selection criteria and who intend to pursue a successful career path in public safety, specifically in the field of emergency medical and/or fire service, in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
The Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Program is being supported, in whole, by the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund grant awarded to Erie County, Pennsylvania by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. “The scholarship will be supported with $100,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act for Erie County,” said Dahlkemper. “The Emergency Medical Services Scholarship fund will address the EMS workforce crisis in Erie County and relieve educational cost from providers.”
The new scholarship fund will be housed at The Erie Community Foundation, which is home to over 800 endowments operating under the administrative umbrella of a single public charity. Currently, the Foundation manages 133 scholarships funds and annually awards scholarship dollars to deserving students. In 2021, the Foundation presented 532 awards valued at nearly $775K. “The Erie Community Foundation is pleased to partner with the County to make the career dreams a reality for graduating students or for those seeking a career change,” said Bilowith.
The average Emergency Medical Technician salary in Erie, PA is $34,468 as of November 29, 2021, but the range typically falls between $30,888 and $38,910. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills and number of years in the profession.
“The Emergency Medical Services Scholarship fund will provide scholarships for eligible applicants looking to obtain EMR Certification, EMT or AEMT Certification, Paramedic Certification,” said Horan-Kunco. “Eligible applicants include minority individuals, low-income/income qualifying individuals, and/or individuals who have experienced career or academic displacement due to COVID-19. Applicants must also be Erie County residents for at least one year.”
For more information about supporting or applying for the Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Fund, please click the button below.
EMS Scholarship Fund