Please Register by May 10, 2019
The controlled environment of a high school cadet program is the ideal way to introduce teens to the hazards of firefighting. The outcomes of these programs can be impressive: they provide a consistent stream of trained candidates for volunteer systems and offer an opportunity for individuals to evaluate firefighting as a potential career. Understanding the key role these programs play in our communities, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) hosted a meeting of educators and leaders from Fire and EMS high school academies, state training networks, and national fire service organizations to begin to look at ways identify ways to strengthen these programs. A key recommendation to emerge from this meeting was the critical need for cadet program personnel to network, exchange knowledge, seek assistance with challenges, and learn best practices.
Based on this recommendation, the NFFF will host the 2019 National High School Fire and EMS Cadet Program Symposium July 10 – 12, 2019, in Pflugerville, Texas. The goal of this Symposium, the first event of its kind, is to empower cadet programs with the tools and information they need to maximize their learning outcomes. Over 100 state and program leaders will be invited to take part. The agenda will feature guest speakers, educational sessions, round table and panel discussions, and general networking. Understanding of contemporary learning styles and use of modern teaching methodologies, including online training, social media, and hybrid learning, will be highlighted. Group discussions will focus on future trends such as defining mechanisms for working collaboratively, and the potential development of national-level consensus standards.
The NFFF has also found high school cadet programs to be the ideal environment to introduce future firefighters to the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives and the full range of Everyone Goes Home® health and safety training programs. Evidence tells us safe practices established early will serve these young men and women for a lifetime.
Funding for this program has been provided through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters – Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program and through our generous donors and sponsors who make this event possible.
