Metallica Scholars Initiative

This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy at Harper College. Recipients may receive a scholarship award of up to $2,500. Scholarship funds will be awarded for the semester in which the student is enrolled in the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy. Preference will be given to students with financial need and non-affiliated fire science students, meaning they are pursuing firefighter training independently and are not sponsored by an Illinois fire department.

The Basic Operations Firefighter Academy is a 360-hour program delivered Monday through Friday over 9 weeks at Harper College’s Emergency Services Training Center (ESTC). This program is approved by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and follows the Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) outlined in NFPA 1010: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1072: Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications.

Step 1: Review Basic Operations Firefighter Program Admission Requirements
Review the full list of Basic Operations Firefighter Admission Requirements. Candidates affiliated with and sponsored by an Illinois fire department must verify department affiliation and confirm they are rostered with the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal. Certain entry requirements may be satisfied through department sponsorship.

Step 2: Apply to Harper College
If you have not already done so, submit the Harper College Application for Admission.

Step 3: Apply for Scholarships!
Complete this application to be considered for this scholarship. Students may apply after submitting their Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) Academy application. Scholarship applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. You do not need to be accepted into the BOF Academy to apply; however, scholarship awards are contingent upon enrollment in the BOF Academy.

Step 4: Submit the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy Application
The Basic Operations Firefighter Academy is a limited enrollment program. Secure your spot by submitting the Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) Academy Application for Fall 2026. Required documentation must be submitted and approved prior to enrollment in FIS 110, FIS 111, FIS 112, and FIS 132.

For additional information about Harper’s Fire Science Technology program, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700.
If you need assistance submitting your scholarship application please visit the One Stop Office at Building A, A250.