Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) announced the department is gearing up to open applications for a grant program that funds youth firefighter training programs in Wisconsin.
The Youth Firefighter Grant Program helps address the recruitment concerns of Wisconsin fire departments by exposing students to career and volunteer opportunities in the fire service.
The total amount of funding available is $150,000 over the next two years, with individual applicants eligible for up to $25,000. DSPS revised eligibility guidelines this year to expand grant funding opportunities to more groups in more parts of the state. The department awards the grants to qualified fire departments, technical colleges, and/or school districts to establish or expand youth firefighter training programs for middle- and high school-aged youth.
Grant applications for the latest round will open on Jan. 8. The application submission deadline is Feb. 5, and Feb. 29 is the anticipated announcement date for awards.
Groups interested in applying for a grant are invited to register for a webinar scheduled for Dec. 20 where they can ask questions and learn more about the application process and expanded eligibility.
