Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) is alerting local college students about the tuition reimbursement program from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). The Higher Education Learning Program (HELP) provides up to full tuition reimbursement for student-volunteers. The deadline to apply for the fall semester is October 1.

“FASNY’s HELP program provides young people who are giving back to their communities with valuable financial assistance so they can continue their higher education,” said Goodell. “Thanks to the dedicated service of our volunteer firemen and women, our communities are safer places to live, work, and raise a family. These departments are always looking for new members, and through the HELP program, FASNY provides a small reward for those willing to serve. As college tuition costs continue to rise, the HELP program can provide our young people with the quality education necessary to succeed in the future.”

The FASNY HELP program allows community college students to receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades. Beginning this year, the program will also include online courses through Empire State College. To apply, candidates must first complete their local fire department’s membership process and then submit FASNY’s Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form.

For information on the program and how to apply:

Visit: http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/

Email: HELP@fasny.com

Call Toll Free: (855) 367-6933

The program was made possible through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the Department of Homeland Security.