Hotshot crew member on the fireline, making direct eye contact with the viewer amidst wildfire operations.

Programs & Events

Scholarship Opportunities with the US Hotshots Association

APPLICATIONS OPEN MARCH 1ST, 2026

Portrait of Stan Stewart, veteran Hotshot firefighter with Los Padres IHC (1974-2010) and a founding member of the U.S. Hotshots Association (USHA).

Stan Stewart was a longtime Hotshot with the Los Padres IHC (1974-2010), a founding member of the U.S. Hotshots Association (USHA), and the Assn’s first President elect.  He passed in 2017, after a long fight with cancer, after having made an unforgettable impact on the Hotshot community, and greater wildland fire service, as well as all who worked with and for him directly.

A natural mentor, leader, teacher, and organizer who valued training and education as paramount, Stan worked tirelessly to get our Association in a position to help support both current and former Hotshots, as well as Hotshot families in need.  This scholarship is a part of his dream, and as such, is named in his honor.

The USHA Stan Stewart Scholarship was created to aid Hotshots and Hotshot families in their pursuit of personal and community improvement, through higher education, and the learning of marketable trades and skills.  We wish each of you the best of luck in whatever path you choose in life, and we welcome your application for consideration.

INFO

  • To qualify for the U.S. Hotshots Association scholarship an applicant must be one (or more) of the following:

    • A Regular Member of the U.S. Hotshots Association, or in the immediate family* of a current Association member

    • A current or former hotshot

    • The immediate family* of a current or former hotshot

    *Immediate family refers to a person’s parents, spouse, children, and siblings and will also include the parent’s spouse. Stepchildren and adopted children, and their spouses, are included under the purview of immediate family (https://definitions.uslegal.com/i/immediate-family/)

  • USHA Officers and BOD members as well as their immediate families are not eligible to be awarded scholarship support.

    • Applicant must be at least a senior in high school.

    • There is no upper age limit to apply.

    • Scholarships can be awarded to an applicant in attending a college/university, trade school, or graduate school.

    • An official transcript, letter of acceptance (if first year) and 500-1000 word essay must accompany the application.

  • Applications will be accepted from March 1st through March 31st.

    • Scholarship application review is April 1-30th, 2025.

    Applications will not carry over into the next calendar year.

    • Notifications will be made simultaneously to both recipients and unselected applicants by May 1.

  • Applicant must complete and submit the standard USHA Scholarship Application. The link to the application is found at the bottom of this page.  Applicants are required to submit a 500 to 1000-word essay, that will help the scholarship committee understand the following:

    Who you are, what you value, and where you're headed. Describe your educational goals, community involvement (civic groups, leadership positions, and extra-curricular activities), and how this scholarship would help you along the way.

    Attention to spelling, grammar, and form will be part of the grading process.

    • Online Application

    • Essay: 500-1000 words

    • Letter of Acceptance to College or Trade School for applicants currently in High School

    • Official Transcript from the last completed educational semester or quarter.

    • The number and dollar amount of USHA scholarships awarded will be dependent on funds available and the number of applicants.

    • Scholarship monies will be paid directly to the school or institution. No money will be paid directly to the recipient.