- Absolute Fire Protection Scholarship: Established in 1989 by Dan Mathias and Larry Cate, and sold to Pye-Barker Fire & Safety in 2024, Absolute Fire Protection provides the Washington-Baltimore metro area with comprehensive fire protection services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The scholarship will be for undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering based on merit. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Cate and Mathias Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: Larry Cate and Dan Mathias established this scholarship to honor their shared professional careers which included the co-founding of Absolute Fire Protection in 1989. The scholarship will be for undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering based on merit. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Charles D. Watts Jr. Memorial Fund: This fund was created in memoriam to support undergraduate Fire Protection Engineering students on the basis of scholastic achievement and financial need. Students should be in their freshman or sophomore years and complete the Engineering Scholarship Application.
- Chief William F. Ryan Endowed Scholarship: The Chief William F. Ryan scholarship will provide merit based assistance to undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Code Consultants, Inc. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship: The Code Consultants, Inc. Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship will provide merit based scholarships for students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering with a preference for students who promote diversity. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Donald W. Belles Scholarship: Donald W. Belles, an alum of the Department, was a pioneer in applying fire protection principles in the development of building and fire codes. As a scholarship recipient, he valued the financial assistance provided to students. In honor of his retirement, this scholarship, was established to provide assistance to juniors or seniors in Fire Protection Engineering based on a student's academic performance, merit and need. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Dr. Cheryl Marek, P.E. Memorial Scholarship: Established by Bruce Marek and Jane Marek in memory of their daughter, Cheryl Marek, Masters in Fire Protection Engineering (M.E.) ’08, Ph.D. ’23, this scholarship will provide merit-based assistance for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. Preference will be given to, but not limited to, students who demonstrate an interest in Naval Fire Protection through their career aspirations, internship participation, research or military service. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Dr. Harry E. Hickey Scholarship (for undergraduate and graduate students): In honor of Dr. Harry E. Hickey, alumni, friends and former students donated to establish this scholarship that will support an undergraduate or graduate Fire Protection Engineering student who has interest in teaching or educating others about Fire Protection Engineering. Preference will be given to students with fire service experience. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Dr. James A. Milke Endowed Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: Dr. James A. Milke (Jim) is an alumnus, faculty emeriti, and former Chair of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. After graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering, he briefly worked in Fairfax County, VA. He accepted an offer to return to the University to conduct research and from that point forward continued in progressing positions, including Associate Chair and culminating in Chair of the Department. Jim served not only as someone who participated in committee/s to determine scholarship recipients, but also partnered with donors who gave to support scholarships. Given that background, Jim and his wife Judy established this scholarship to support undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering based on merit. The scholarship is for undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering and is merit based. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Dr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E. Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: The Dr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E. Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the 0999V (online courses) major code. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Dr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E. College Park Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: For over 49 years Dr. Bob Andrews built a career, a global reputation, and has financially prospered, based upon the foundation established through his relationship with the University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineering program and as a member of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department. The Dr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E. College Park Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering will provide scholarships for undergraduate students in good academic standing in Fire Protection Engineering. Preference will be given to recipients who, at the time the scholarship is awarded, are non-state of Maryland residents (out-of-state) and who are also riding members of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD). Students should complete the Dr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., P.E. College Park Volunteer Firefighter Department Scholarship to apply.
- dss+ Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student in Fire Protection Engineering based on merit. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Edward A. Carr, Jr. Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: This endowed fund, named in memory of Edward A. Carr, Jr., the owner and operator of Hub City Sprinklers, Inc., will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Fire Protection Engineering General Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students in Fire Protection Engineering. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Fire Protection Engineering Pioneer Scholarship: Established to honor the pioneers who contributed to the evolution of the discipline of fire protection engineering, the scholarship will provide merit-based assistance for undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. Preference will be given to applicants who are involved in Women in Engineering (WIE) or Society of Women Engineers (SWE). All gender identities are able to participate in programs and services offered through WIE and SWE. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Frank J. Fee Jr. Award: Made possible by support from the National Fire Protection Association and Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company along with the original oversight of Dr. John ‘Prof’ Bryan, this award will provide financial aid for an outstanding student or students enrolled in Fire Protection Engineering. The award is based on the student's academic record, fire protection interest, and academic potential. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Holmes Diversity Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: The Holmes Diversity Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering will provide need-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering for the purpose of enhancing diversity, including but not limited to, racial or gender diversity in the Department. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- James O. Grendahl Memorial Scholarship: Established by Mr. and Mrs. E. Grendahl in memory of their son, James O. Grendahl. This scholarship is intended to assist students in good standing within Fire Protection Engineering. Preference is given to children of firefighters. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- James P. Shearman Endowed Scholarship: Randall Shearman created a need-based scholarship as a part of the TerpStart program dedicated to his father, James, whose “foresight, wisdom, and desire for knowledge guided [him] to the pursuit of higher education.” The scholarship will support undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering with preference for those who have or are working in emergency services, specifically emergency medical service, law enforcement, or the fire service. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Jensen Hughes Recruiting Scholarship: Established by RJA Group, now JENSEN HUGHES, to provide assistance to an incoming first year or early transfer student in Fire Protection Engineering. The award is based on prior academic achievement before entering the University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineering program and recipients must have a 3.3 or better GPA. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Josephine Heimer Scholarship: This scholarship was created as the result of a bequest from Josephine "Jo" Heimer. An independent, working woman all her life, Jo was employed during World War II as an electrical technician, a true "Rosie the Riveter." Jo was an active member of the Maryland State Fireman's Association where her husband, Floyd, was recognized in their Hall of Fame. The scholarship will support undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering. Preference for this scholarship is given to juniors and seniors who participate in a volunteer fire/rescue or EMS company. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Karen Kretschmann Scholarship: Established by FPE alumna, Karen Kretschmann, who enrolled in the program as an out-of-state student, Karen thrived in the close-knit family atmosphere of the Fire Protection Engineering department and has utilized the technical skills she gained in the program throughout her adult career. The endowed scholarship will support a Fire Protection Engineering student based on merit for students who are entering the program from out of state. Preference is for students from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania who are first year students. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Kemper Insurance Companies Endowed Undergraduate Grants in Fire Protection Engineering: The scholarship was established to be used toward enhancing the Fire Protection Engineering Department's ability to recruit the very best first and second year students into the program. The recipient will be selected on the basis of academic merit and expressed interest in fire protection engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Koffel Howard County Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering: Established by Lennon Peake, the Executive Vice President of Koffel Associates, a fire protection engineering and code consulting firm specializing in a broad range of fire protection engineering design and code consulting services, to public and private clients worldwide, established in Howard County, Maryland in 1986. The Koffel Howard County Scholarship will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. Preference will be given to students, who at the time of enrollment, resided in or attended an educational institution (high school, community college) in Howard County, Maryland. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Manuel Delvalle, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Manuel Delvalle, Jr. graduated from the University of Maryland in 1992 and went on to serve in the New York City Fire Department as a dedicated firefighter. On September 11, 2001, Manuel, along with 341 fellow firefighters, died while responding to the World Trade Center attack. This scholarship honors his life and spirit. The scholarship will be for students in Fire Protection Engineering with demonstrated financial need. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Medovich Endowed Scholarship: The Medovich Endowed Scholarship in Fire Protection Engineering will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Patricia Baker Scholarship: Established by alumni of the Fire Protection Engineering department, in honor of Mrs. Patricia Baker, to acknowledge her dedication and service to the Department. The award is for students in Fire Protection Engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Philip L. DeCamara Jr. Memorial Award: The Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE), the educational affiliate of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has established an endowed scholarship that will annually support a rising junior or senior student in the Fire Protection Engineering department on the basis of merit. Philip L. De Camara, Jr., after graduating from UMD in 1962, assumed the position of executive vice president of Central Sprinkler Corporation in Lansdale, PA. and later president of De Camara Fire Protection Products in Ivyland, PA. De Camara was a tireless fire sprinkler advocate and continually gave back to the industry working to further the cause. Mrs. Therese De Camara began the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Memorial scholarship with the assistance of Dr. John 'Prof' Bryan and the AFSA. Mrs. De Camara managed the scholarship process for more than 20 years and in a former component of the scholarship, the in person interview, shared her husband's story which intertwined with the fire sprinkler and fire/life safety industry. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Robert C. Byrus Memorial Fund: In memory of Robert C. Byrus, this fund will commemorate Mr. Byrus’ dedicated service and strong commitment to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute at the University of Maryland and the fire service training field. As Director of the Fire Extension Department, Mr. Byrus was best known for his generosity to others, as well as his contributions in the development of training manuals and the acquisition of training grounds. The fund will support a junior and senior undergraduate student in Fire Protection Engineering who is preferably a current or past member of a fire department. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply. Learn more about Robert C. Byrus' life and career (PDF).
- Robert M. Gagnon Scholarship: Robert M. Gagnon, is an alum, founder and President of Gagnon Engineering, served as a lecturer in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, and has authored both books and numerous journal articles and scholarly papers. The Robert M. Gagnon Scholarship is an annual award for junior or senior Fire Protection Engineering students on the basis of merit. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Roger R. and John M. Cholin Scholarship (for undergraduate and graduate students): Established by J.M. Cholin Consultants, Inc. Roger R. Cholin devoted his working life to the advancement of fire protection through his leadership at Safety First Products, Corp. and later Firetek Corporation, and introduced the field of engineering to his son John M. Cholin. The scholarship is available to undergraduate or graduate students in Fire Protection Engineering with demonstrated financial need through FAFSA or academic merit. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- SFPE Chesapeake Chapter Engineering Scholarship: The SFPE Chesapeake Chapter is pleased to provide an annual scholarship award in support of an undergraduate student enrolled in the University of Maryland, Department of Fire Protection Engineering who will have junior or senior academic standing at the time the scholarship is applied. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- SFPE Greater Atlanta Endowed Scholarship: Established by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers Greater Atlanta Chapter for need-based scholarship support as part of the TerpStart program, the scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering from the state of Georgia. Preference will be given, if no student is from the state of Georgia, to students from the southeast (Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee). Any student of the United States may receive the award if no students from the mentioned states are eligible in that scholarship year. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Snowman Memorial Endowed Scholarship: In honor of the founding Chair of the Department, Dr. John L. Bryan ‘Prof,’ who taught the donors and former FPE students not only the importance of pursuing fire protection engineering but also of helping others, this scholarship was created as a part of the TerpStart program as a need based award. ‘Prof’ used humor in the classroom, particularly on assignments, by drawing snowmen when he felt the student was trying to ‘snow’ him with an answer. Undergraduate students in the department demonstrating financial need may apply. Preference will be given to students who have an understanding of diversity in engineering and are interested in a career in fire protection engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Susan Isman Memorial Scholarship: Susan E. (Sue) Isman was born in 1961 into a fire protection family. Her father, Warren Isman, was a volunteer firefighter, paid firefighter, Instructor at the University of Maryland (Fire Service Extension of the School of Engineering), and fire chief. Her younger brother, Ken Isman, would go on to be a graduate of the University of Maryland (1986, Fire Protection Engineering), a fire protection engineer in the sprinkler industry for 28 years and a Clinical Professor in Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. Although she was not a fire protection engineer, her contributions to the field of fire protection were significant. The Isman family, including Sue’s sons; Greg Isaacs and Nathan Berg, have established this scholarship to remember her and to celebrate her dedication and contributions to fire protection. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- VFD Fire Protection Engineering Scholarship: The donor established this scholarship in gratitude of a scholarship they received while studying under Drs. Bryan, Hickey, and Milke while living and working in a local fire house during their pursuit of the bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering. The scholarship is for undergraduate students in Fire Protection Engineering. Preference will be given to those who reside in the Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad or any student who is living and working in a fire house in Prince George’s or Montgomery Counties. Students should complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Warren Isman Memorial Scholarship: The Warren Isman Memorial Scholarship honors Warren Isman, electrical engineer, Montgomery and Fairfax County firefighter and instructor, senior instructor at the University of Maryland Fire Service Extension in the School of Engineering (which would later become the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute), who sparked an interest in fire protection in his son, Ken Isman. The scholarship will support merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
- Wolfe Family Diversity Scholarship: The Wolfe Family Diversity Scholarship will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering for the purpose of enhancing diversity in Fire Protection Engineering. Preference is for first year or transfer student recipients. Complete the Engineering Scholarship Application to apply.
Through the generosity of alumni, industry partners and friends, the Department of Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate engineering students. These scholarships are awarded based on merit, service, need and a variety of other factors.
Scholarships listed below are available to students enrolled in the Fire Protection Engineering programs, however not all scholarships are necessarily given out each year. Students who wish to be considered for scholarships must complete the A. James Clark School of Engineering Scholarships Application each year on Scholarship Universe by the annual deadline of May 31. Students who do not complete the application will not be considered for these awards. More information about A. James Clark School of Engineering scholarships, different from departmental scholarships, can be found on this website.
Scholarships Available through the Department of Fire Protection Engineering
Scholarships Available through External Organizations or Societies
- ABC Metro Washington Scholarship: The ABC of Metro Washington Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in construction management, engineering, architecture, project management, or related fields at colleges and universities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, or Washington, D.C. Review the eligibility requirements, complete an online application and submit an essay and letter of recommendation. The application deadline is typically in April.
- Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scholarship: Encourages members of the firefighting, ambulance, and rescue organizations serving Maryland communities to pursue courses that lead to a degree in fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management, or public safety administration with a minor or concentration in fire service technology or fire service management.
- Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings Scholarship (for undergraduate and graduate students):
The CCHRB offers a scholarship to students at any college or university with an alumnus who serves as a member of the CCHRB. Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students are eligible to apply, but should have at least one (preferably two) semesters remaining prior to graduation. The deadline is usually in early January. - Department of Defense SMART Scholarship for Service Award: The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Program provides STEM students with the tools needed to pursue higher education and begin a rewarding career with the Department of Defense (DoD). SMART is the largest education to workforce program offered by DoD STEM. Fire Protection Engineering applicants should apply under the SMART umbrella discipline of "Industrial and Systems Engineering." The application typically opens in August and closes in early December. Interested students can reach out to the DoD Smart program at smart@smartscholarship.org.
- Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) Educational Foundation Scholarship: Candidates must have graduated from high school or its equivalent before July 1 of the year in which they will use the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded by the FSSA Educational Foundation to students who plan to enroll in a fire suppression technology program at an accredited two year or four year technical school, college or university in North America. Consideration will be given to the degree in which the career choice would have an application to the fire suppression industry. Applications are typically due June 1.
- The Kimmy Duong Foundation Scholarship: The Kimmy Duong Scholarship honors outstanding business and engineering students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement at the University of Maryland. The awards are based on the student’s academic excellence, leadership, community service, cultural pride, and a commitment to creating a better world. The application portal opens in December.
- Maryland State Firemen's Association (MSFA) Awards: Scholarships administered by the Maryland State Firemen's Association provide awards to Maryland residents in the fire service. Application deadlines are typically in mid-April.
- Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship (Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association [FAMA]) (for undergraduate and graduate students): The Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship offers a scholarship to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior student registered in a four-year fire protection engineering program or in a full-time master’s degree program in fire protection engineering. An application packet is required that should be submitted directly to FAMA. Applications are typically due by June 1.
- SFPE Chicago Chapter Scholarship Award: Created by the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. The award is for undergraduate students and is based on academic performance and fire protection engineering activities. Preference is given to Chicago metro applicants.
- SFPE Greater Atlanta Chapter Scholarship (for undergraduate and graduate students): The Society of Fire Protection Engineers Greater Atlanta Chapter offers scholarships to qualified applicants studying fire protection engineering or engineering technology. Scholarships will be awarded to the most qualified applicants enrolled at accredited and other qualified colleges and universities. Students do not need to be from the south-east or Georgia. All FPE students with 30 or more college credits are welcome to apply, including graduate students. The deadline for application is February 28 each year.
- SFPE Greater St. Louis Chapter Engineering Scholarship (for undergraduate or graduate students): The Society of Fire Protection Engineers Scholarship-Greater St. Louis Chapter is open to all engineering disciplines, with preferred experience or interest in some type of fire protection field. Eligibility: Full time student with minimum 60 credit hours completed by June 1 in an accredited engineering curriculum at the bachelor’s or master’s level. The deadline for application is April 15 each year.
- SFPE New England Chapter: A.L. Brown Award (for undergraduate and graduate students): Established by the New England Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. The award is based on the student's academic performance and fire protection engineering activities. The award provides a variable amount toward the an undergraduate or graduate student's academic expenses for a student from New England.
- SFPE New York/New Jersey Chapter: James R. O'Neil/W. Robert Powers Award (for undergraduate and graduate students): Established by the New York–New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). The award is for undergraduate or graduate students and is based on the student's academic performance and fire protection engineering activities. Preference is for a student whose primary residence is in the metropolitan NJ/NY City area. Deadline is between June 1 and August 1.
- SFPE Northern California-Nevada Chapter Bendix Williamson Scholarship (for undergraduate and graduate students): Candidates may be undergraduate or graduate students and should be a permanent resident or have the intent to relocate to the geographic area served by the NCN-SFPE Chapter. Students having accepted or previously participated in internships in the Northern California-Nevada area may also apply. The application deadline is typically in February.
- SFPE Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter John D. Cook III Award: Based on a student's academic performance and fire protection engineering activities. The award provides a variable amount toward the student's academic expenses for a student from the chapter area. Applications are due by March 1.
- SFPE Rocky Mountain Chapter Scholarships: Open to students considering a career in the field of Fire Protection Engineering from the following Western U.S. states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Applications are typically due in April.
- SFPE Tennessee Valley Chapter John D. Hoogesteger Memorial Scholarship (for undergraduate and graduate students): Applicants can be from any area and any level of undergraduate or graduate study. Incoming new undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to undergraduate students. Applications are typically due in April.
- Summer Pathways Scholarship: The Summer Pathways Scholarship is a summer scholarship available to all Maryland community college students transferring into the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Several engineering majors require courses at the 100 and 200-level that are not available at various community colleges. The purpose of this scholarship is to support students who need to take summer courses in order to graduate in a timely manner. The application is due typically on or around May 17 each year and is available at this link.
- Smart Service Scholarship (no direct link available, must use general search): The Smart Service awards scholarships twice each year (spring and fall) to students entering into, or continuing their education in, skilled trades education and training programs. Review the eligibility requirements, complete an online application and submit a short video (or written) essay. Applications are typically due in April.
- Society for Standards Professionals (SES) Scholarship Program (for undergraduate and graduate students):
Applications for scholarships are welcome from full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are currently enrolled in a University and use Standards in their school curriculum. The application deadline is typically in January.
The SAME Washington DC Post: The SAME Washington DC Post Scholarships and Mentoring Program offers individual scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, architecture, environmental science, or related fields. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, SAME members, and full-time students at accredited institutions. In addition to financial support, recipients are paired with professional mentors. The application deadline is typically in March-April. - University of Maryland National Scholarships Office: National scholarships are highly competitive, prestigious awards that provide opportunities and support for many different experiences, including study abroad, graduate study (and sometimes undergraduate study also), federal employment, teaching, research, and public service.
Nicole Hollywood
Associate Director of Student Services
Dept. Phone: 301-405-3992
Direct Phone: 301-405-3994
Fax: 301-405-9383
E-mail: nlholly@umd.edu
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