Ignite the Spirit Scholarship Package
The Ignite the Spirit Fund is proud to offer 9 educational scholarships to students of the Chicago Fire Department members who are active and retired. The scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate, high school and grammar school in the perspective categories. The application process requires students to submit their name, CFD relationship, school they attend or plan on attending, and a short description requested for the scholarship in which they wish to apply. Please read the “To apply” requirement for each individual scholarship. All request should be emailed to richardp@ignitethespirit.org, Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2025 thru February 1, 2026.
The Ignite the Spirit Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support students who have overcome obstacles in pursuit of a college education.
To Apply: In a short description tell Ignite the Spirit about your future plans and how this scholarship will help you achieve your academic goal. Submit the completed document to richardp@ignitethespirit.org.
Education level - any high school or undergraduate student|One Scholarship awarded $2000
Drew Price Scholarship
This scholarship honors the legacy of FF Price: Supporting athletes who are role models on and off the field.
To Apply: Describe how your experience as an athlete has shaped your character both on and off the field of play. Submit the completed document to richardp@ignitethespirit.org
Education level – high school student | One Scholarship awarded $2500
David Meyer Scholarship
This scholarship honors the life and legacy of Captain Meyer: supporting students who share in his passion for helping others and making the world a better place.
To Apply: Describe how your passion and commitment to helping others coincides with the work of those in the Fire/EMS profession. Submit your completed document to richardp@ignitethespirit.org
Education level: High school student | One Scholarship awarded $2500
Mike Lynch Scholarship
This scholarship honors the life of and legacy of Lieutenant Lynch: This scholarship aims to recognize and celebrate how a cancer experience can change lives in profound ways. It is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of individuals who have faced this disease head on.
To Apply: Tell us how your family has been impacted by cancer and what this experience has taught you. Submit your completed document to richardp@ignitethespirit.org
Education Level – Any High School senior, undergraduate or graduate student who has been impacted by cancer may apply for this scholarship. | One Scholarship awarded $2500
Fire and EMS Scholarship
This scholarship aims to honor and encourage people who inspire to enter the fire or EMS profession.
To Apply: Describe how this scholarship would help you in pursuit and achieve your goals in the Fire/EMS profession. Submit the completed document to richardp@ignitethespirit.org
Education Level – High School Senior | One Scholarship awarded $2500
Ignite the Spirit Elementary School Scholarship
This scholarship aims to recognize students who portray exceptional achievement, community service, leadership, and dedication to educational/academic goals.
To Apply: Describe yourself and why school is important. Submit your completed document to richardp@ignitethespirit.org
Education level – Elementary school student | Four Separate Scholarships awarded $1000 each
COMPLETED ESSAY PDF MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 1, 2026 TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A 2025/2026 SCHOLARSHIP.
Winners will be announced on ignitethespirit.org on February 15, 2026.
