Lindsey Wilson University launches First Responder Scholarship

Lindsey Wilson University has a new First Responder Scholarship, which is available to anyone who has worked as a first responder for at least one year and their families, that applies to both undergraduate and graduate tuition at the university. The scholarship was developed by Hannah Coyt, a counseling assistant professor and the assistant director of the professional counseling graduate program, and by Keeley Stewart, an assistant counseling professor, both of whom have been mental health professionals who work with first responders. They recognize the importance of supporting first responders who are changing careers or starting over.

According to an article on Lindsey Wilson University’s website, Coyt was quoted as saying of the new scholarship, "We know that many individuals are interested in pursuing education to upskill, pivot or continue their careers after the early retirement their profession affords. This scholarship will allow many of them to explore those education options."

The scholarship can be used by any individual who has been a first responder, namely a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic, or dispatcher, for at least one year. Their family members are eligible to utilize the scholarship, as well, which is applicable to both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the university.

Coyt and Stewart noted that many individuals who are former first responders go on to have second careers that also allow them to give back to their communities, much like their first careers. Because of this, Coyt said, "Lindsey Wilson's human services and counseling major and nursing program are perfect for first responders who want to have a second career serving their community.”

Stewart added, noting that first responders often need mental health assistance but may not receive that help, "There's a major shortage of mental health counseling in the area of first responders. I found through my research that the major barrier to mental health services in a fire department was simply trust. They don't trust mental health providers, and they don't trust that they're not going to be discriminated against within their department if they seek mental health services. So we are hopeful that some of the first responders who enroll at Lindsey Wilson will be able to one day serve the mental health needs of other first responders."

This new scholarship program will help individuals start new careers through earning a new degree, and may also contribute to the mental wellness of current and future first responders, if anyone taking advantage of the scholarship chooses to go into the mental health field. 

For more information about Lindsey Wilson University, visit the school’s website.