Kyle Plush Answer the Call Foundation - Scholarship for Be The Difference Conference - OPEN NOW

KPATC Foundation is excited to sponsor four 911 professionals to attend the "Be The Difference Conference" in Knoxville, TN from January 25-28, 2026 hosted by the Denise Amber Lee Foundation.  For more information about the conference, go to deniseamberlee.org.
Each scholarship will include full conference registration, hotel room, and a limited amount of spending money for food (it will not include transportation costs).  Please apply if you are not already registered for the  Be the Difference Conference 2026.

For scholarship consideration send the following information to: info@kyleplushanswerthecall.org
a) your name, b) name of current center where you work, c) why you want to attend the conference, d) how you plan to use what you learn from Be The Difference in your professional life, e) your current address and phone number, f) name of a supervisor from your center and their number and/or email address, g) unisex t-shirt size h) a letter of recommendation from supervisor is helpful but not required
Submissions are due by November 7, 2025. Scholarship award recipients will be contacted by November 17, 2025 or sooner. Thank you for your service and we look forward to receiving your submission. #2026BeTheDifferenceConference

Who should apply?
This scholarship opportunity is open to women in the 9-1-1 industry who have not previously attended 9-1-1 Goes to Washington.

The scholarship recipient will receive the following:

• Complimentary registration to NENA's 9-1-1 Goes to Washington conference;
• Four nights hotel accommodations; and
• A travel stipend of up to $2,000 to help cover transportation costs to and from the event (provided as a post-event reimbursement against actual, incurred expenses).
  

Eligibility
To be eligible for the scholarship you must meet the criteria listed about in the "Who should apply" section complete and submit the below scholarship application, including a 1,000 word or less essay and a current resume.

Deadlines
Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2025. The scholarship winner will be notified no later than December 15, 2025.

911der Women Firework scholarship is in dedication to Wendy Day, whom we lost to cancer in 2019. Her spirt and her legacy remain part of our work every day.  This scholarship exists to ensure that her life, her spark, continues to light the fire for so many incredible women who will influence the future of 911. The mission of the scholarship is to share Wendy’s spirit by helping you light your own fuse to become a firework in the 911 community. “It’s always been inside of you, and now it’s time to let it through, cause baby you’re a firework, “ ~ Katie Perry.

The Firework Scholarship is a reimbursement scholarship program made possible with the help of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, 911 Training Institute, Positive 911, and private donors. 911nder Women will award scholarships for women working in 911 to complete one of seven 911-centered training programs. Scholarships will provide 75 percent of the tuition costs, and up to $1,500 for travel and lodging for programs as identified below. 

Applications for ALL trainings/certifications are due Monday, December 1, 2025.  Recipients will be notified by January 23, 2026.

Scholarships are provided for the following programs: Applicants must be able to meet program requirements and/or prerequisites determined by each program listed; see links below for full details.  

• The 911 Leadership Training Event, by Dr. Joe Serio, at the Mayan Ranch in Bandera, Texas * 
• ENP Certification exam, by NENA: The 9-1-1 Association +
• NENA’s Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) *+
• Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) Certification by APCO +
• 2026 911der Women Virtual Workshops - Scholarship includes access to all four virtual sessions focused on leadership, wellness, and growth. Recipients can attend each session live and will also receive on-demand access to all four workshops to watch at their convenience.
• One Registration for a Two-day 911der Women Academy (location and date TBD) - immersive training experience designed to strengthen professional skills and connection. *
• Mental Health Training - Survive & Thrive! Core Stress Resilience Training! from the 911 Training Institute

* Travel expenses up to $1,500 are included for this scholarship.

+ 1-year membership to the organization is included with this scholarship if not already a member.

Eligibility & Expectations 

1. Applicant must be a woman working in 911.
2. Have not attended or completed the training/certification previously.
3. Scholarship winners must provide proof of successful completion of the training/certification for their 75% reimbursement.  
4. Provide all required documentation and receipts as required.
5. Agree to complete an impact survey.  
6. You are eligible to win one scholarship, one person will not be awarded multiple. 
7. All scholarships awarded in 2026 must be completed by December 2027.  

• All-expenses-paid trip to the Mayan Ranch in Bandera, TX, to attend the 911 Leadership Training Event (transportation included) 
• Guiding Light Award pictured above, with name of the recipient 
• Podcast interview with Within the Trenches and #iam911 founder, Ricardo Martinez 
• $1,000.00 honorarium 
• Commemorative certificate closes on April 15th, 2025. 

 General Scholarships can be used for any APCO training. To be eligible, you must be an APCO Full, Associate, or Online member. The application period opens on January 15th, 2025, and closes on April 1st, 2025. 

 The CPE Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. Visit the website to learn more and determine if you qualify. The application period opens on January 15th, 2025, and closes on February 15th, 2025. 

 The RPL Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. Visit the website to learn more and confirm your qualifications. Be sure your resume is up to date before applying. The application period opens on January 15th, 2025, and closes on March 1st, 2025. 

Gold Line Scholarship is available to any telecommunicator, call taker, or dispatcher with at least one year of experience and in good standing with their current employer.