Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is advising all area community college students and members of volunteer fire departments about the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) tuition reimbursement program. The Higher Education Learning Program (HELP) provides up to full tuition reimbursement for student-volunteers. The deadline to apply for the fall semester is October 3, 2014.

A recent FASNY initiative has expanded its educational offerings to include courses through the Empire State College.

“I have often said that our emergency volunteers are the backbone of our rural communities,” said Palmesano. “Not only does their brave service protect our families, friends and neighbors, but their selfless dedication and volunteerism also protect local taxpayers as well,” said Palmesano.

Studies show that if the services provided by volunteers were paid positions, it would cost local municipalities and property taxpayers an additional $7 billion.

New York State has a critical need to recruit and retain emergency volunteers. The tuition reimbursement program is one way to help address this growing need.

“FASNY’s HELP program is the perfect opportunity for young people to engage in community service and pay for their continuing education,” said Palmesano. “Volunteer emergency workers are in demand throughout our state. This program could play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of our families while providing our young people with the quality education necessary to succeed in the future. I hope that our service-minded scholars take advantage of these generous benefits.”

Again, the application deadline is October 3, 2014. Prospective scholars can find more information at http://www.fasny.com/resources/fasny-help/, or call Deputy Volunteer Programs Coordinator John D’Alessandro at (855) 367-6933. He also can be reached by mail at 107 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210, or by email at HELP@fasny.com.