The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is continuing its support of individuals affected by the tragedy on 1 October, 2017 and the first responder community as Southern Nevada marks the fifth anniversary of 1 October.
“We will always remember the strength and courage exhibited five years ago, and we remain committed to supporting those affected and our first responders as our community continues to heal,” said Kirsten Searer, President of the Public Education Foundation. “Thanks to the generous support of our Vegas Strong donors, we are able to honor those impacted by this tragedy by promoting a brighter future for their loved ones and our students.”
Since the Scholarships Plus program was founded in 1995, PEF has awarded nearly $27 million to help approximately 8,000 high school seniors and college students pursue their dreams of continuing their education. In 2022 alone, PEF awarded $5.1 million through more than 900 scholarships, including five Vegas Strong scholarship opportunities.
Students can apply for PEF scholarships, including Vegas Strong scholarships, starting October 1 at thepef.org/scholarships. The following scholarships will be awarded to current high school seniors and college students as part of the 2022-2023 scholarship cycle:
Vegas Strong Helping Hands Scholarship: College-bound seniors and current college students who have been affected by the 1 October tragedy and who have demonstrated a financial hardship or plan on pursuing an area of study in high needs may apply for this scholarship. Areas in need include Accounting, Education, Health Care and Medical Services, Information Technology, and STEM related areas. Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded and a student may renew each year of their schooling for a two- or four-year degree.
Vegas Strong Future First Responders: Clark County seniors who are pursuing post-secondary education to become a first responder in any field such as police, fire, healthcare, nonprofit or government disaster relief may apply for this scholarship. Students must be a senior at a Clark County School District (CCSD) school, private school, or charter school, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at a college/university in Nevada. Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded and a student may reapply each year of their schooling for a two- or four-year degree.
Vegas Strong Dependent of First Responder: Clark County seniors who are dependents of a first responder may apply for this scholarship. The parent/guardian may be a first responder in any field such as police, fire, healthcare, nonprofit or government disaster relief. Students must be a senior at a CCSD school, private school, or charter school, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each will be awarded and a student may renew each year of their schooling for a two- or four-year degree.
To date, PEF has provided $530,000 in scholarships to those affected by 1 October and the first responder community, but additional investment is needed to continue this support. Donors can support 1 October scholarships at thepef.org/1october.
