Dependent Children Scholarship Program

The Dependent Children Scholarship Program provides aid for Tennessee residents who are dependent children of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, fireman, or an emergency medical service technician who has been killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment. The parent must be a Tennessee resident and have been on duty when the incident occurred. 

The amount of the award will be based on the student’s financial need and the availability of funds up to the cost of attendance.

• • Cost of attendance is the combined cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, books and other educational expenses as determined by the financial aid office at the eligible postsecondary institution.
  • A student attending a private institution will receive the same benefit as a student attending the highest cost four-year public institution.   
  • Awards are made in equal installments each term throughout the academic year. The award shall be for four (4) years or the period required for the completion of the program of study, whichever is less. Students in a program that requires more than four (4) years may apply for an extension for a fifth year. The recipient must be enrolled full-time and maintain institutional satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible.

An application must be accompanied by documentation detailing that the parent who was a law enforcement officer, fireman, or emergency medical service technician was killed or totally and permanently disabled while performing duties within the scope of such employment.

• To apply, submit an application on the TSAC Student Portal. TSAC must receive the completed application and required documentation by July 15.
• A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at www.fafsa.gov, must also be completed by the application deadline in order to be considered.