First Responders Children's Foundation Announces 2026 CSX Pride in Service Scholarship Recipients

Ten scholars from seven states awarded funding to continue their education and represent the next generation of service-oriented professionals shaped by first responder family experiences

NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Responders Children's Foundation (FRCF), the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving the children and families of first responders, today announced, in partnership with CSX, the names of ten students who will receive the CSX Pride in Service Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, service to others, and resilience while honoring the sacrifice and service of their first responder families. The 2026/2027 cohort includes ten new scholars who are children of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics, and other emergency service professionals, including families impacted by line-of-duty injury, illness, or death, who are inspired to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. These recipients are now pursuing degrees in medicine, physician assistant studies, engineering, aviation, biology, chemistry, finance, biomedical sciences, and natural resources.

"These students have witnessed firsthand the dedication and impact, as well as the sacrifice of their first responder parent and they carry that burden of service along with them. We're grateful to CSX for supporting so many scholarship recipients, so they can continue their education" said Jillian Crane, President & CEO of the First Responders Children's Foundation. "From healthcare and medicine, engineering, aviation, transportation, business, finance, and public service and emergency response fields, we're proud to champion these students as they pursue their higher education goals and know that the CSX Pride in Service Scholarships will provide meaningful support in their journeys."

Since 2018, FRCF and CSX have awarded individual scholarships to deserving children of first responders in the communities where they operate, who are inspired and motivated by their parent's dedication to service. This year, 116 scholarships to students from 20 states were awarded from this generous program. To date, CSX has contributed more than $811,000 in scholarship funding, supporting 359 students across CSX-served states, including $420,000 dedicated to the Pride in Service Scholarship that has supported 80 scholars overall.

"The CSX Pride in Service Scholarship reflects our ongoing mission to empower first responders and their loved ones," said Angela Costa, CSX Community Investment Senior Manager. "These 10 scholars have seen firsthand what service and sacrifice mean, and they carry that forward in their own ambitions. Supporting their education is one way we honor that commitment and invest in the next generation of service-minded leaders."

This year's recipients include:

Each scholar is awarded a grant for a single academic year based on financial need, academic merit, leadership skills, outstanding performance in the arts or sports, and community service. Recipients are encouraged to reapply annually for a maximum of four years.

Through the CSX Pride in Service community investment initiative, FRCF and CSX have partnered to support the specific needs of children of first responders in the communities where they operate through scholarships, financial assistance grants, and bereavement assistance as well as to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and community members in key markets.

To learn more about First Responders Children's Foundation, please visit www.1stRCF.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION:

First Responders Children's Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on five key areas: Scholarships, Financial Assistance Grants, Natural Disaster Relief, Mental Health Resiliency with free counseling; and Community Engagement. The Foundation was founded 25 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent and today uplifts all children of first responders across the country. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

CONTACT:

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis

[email protected]

(212) 691-2800

SOURCE First Responders Children's Foundation