Clayton County Fire Academy

GENERAL PROGRAM QUESTIONS

1. What is the Clayton County Public Schools Firefighter Academy?
The Firefighter Academy is a career-focused opportunity for Clayton County Public Schools students to explore careers in firefighting, EMS, and EMT services while developing leadership skills and preparing for future careers in public safety and emergency services.

2. Who is eligible to participate?
Students must:

Be a high school junior
Have successfully completed the first level of the Law and Public Safety course
Have a genuine interest in the program

3. What careers can students explore?
Students will have the opportunity to explore career pathways related to firefighting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) careers.

4. Is this program only for students who want to become firefighters?
No. The program provides exposure to multiple emergency-service career pathways, including firefighting, EMS, EMT, and other related public safety opportunities.

STUDENT FAQ

5. Why should I participate in the Firefighter Academy?
The program provides an opportunity to explore a real-world career field, develop leadership skills, learn about emergency services, and begin preparing for future education, training, and employment opportunities.

6. Do I need to already know that I want to become a firefighter?
No. Students should have a genuine interest in the program, but the academy is also designed to help students explore careers and determine whether emergency services may be a good career fit.

7. What if I am interested in EMS or becoming an EMT instead of firefighting?
That is encouraged. The academy highlights careers in Firefighting, EMS, and EMT services.

8. Why do I have to complete the first level of Law and Public Safety?
The first-level course provides students with foundational knowledge related to public safety and helps prepare them for the next level of career exploration and training.

APPLICATION & ENROLLMENT

9. How do I apply for the Firefighter Academy?
Interested students should begin the application process by contacting their Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher. They can provide the application, explain the enrollment process, and provide information about any required documentation or next steps.

10. When should I apply?
Students who are interested should begin the process as soon as possible and attend the Parent/Student Orientation to receive important information about the program and application process.

11. Where can I get help completing my application?
Students can receive assistance from their WBL Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to ask questions and participate in the enrollment process.

12. What if I am interested but do not meet one of the eligibility requirements?
Students who do not currently meet the listed requirements should speak with their Law and Justice teacher or WBL Coordinator to determine whether there are other opportunities or steps they can take to prepare for future participation.

PARENT/GUARDIAN FAQ

13. Why should my child participate in this program?
The Firefighter Academy provides students with meaningful exposure to emergency-service careers and helps connect classroom learning with real-world career opportunities. It can help students develop leadership skills while exploring potential career and postsecondary pathways.

14. Is this a job-training program?
The academy is a career exploration and work-based learning opportunity. Specific training, certifications, credentials, or employment opportunities associated with the program will be explained as part of the program enrollment process.

15. Will my child receive hands-on experiences?
Students and families will receive information about the experiences and opportunities available through the academy as part of the program's enrollment and orientation process.

16. Will participation guarantee my child a job with a fire department?
No. Participation in the academy does not guarantee employment. However, it can provide valuable career exposure, knowledge, skills, and connections that may help students prepare for future opportunities.

17. Does my child need to have a driver's license or EMT/firefighter certification?
No such requirement is listed among the current eligibility requirements. Students and parents should speak with the WBL Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher about any additional program requirements.

18. Is there a cost to participate?
The current program information does not identify a participation fee. Families should ask the WBL Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher about any potential costs, equipment, uniforms, or other requirements.

STAKEHOLDER FAQ

19. How can teachers help promote the Firefighter Academy?
Teachers can identify eligible juniors, share the program flyer, encourage students to discuss the opportunity with their families, and direct interested students to their WBL Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher.

20. How can counselors support the program?
Counselors can help identify students whose interests and coursework align with public safety careers and encourage eligible students to pursue the opportunity.

21. How does this program support CTAE and Work-Based Learning?
The Firefighter Academy connects students' academic coursework with career exploration and real-world opportunities in public safety. It supports the goal of helping students understand career pathways and prepare for future education, training, and employment.

22. How can community and industry partners support the academy?
Industry and community partners can support students through career awareness, mentorship, work-based learning experiences, demonstrations, career presentations, internships, and other appropriate opportunities.

23. How can stakeholders refer an interested student?
Interested students should be directed to their Work-Based Learning Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher for additional information and assistance with the application process.

24. What is the overall goal of the Firefighter Academy?
The goal is to help students explore careers, develop leadership skills, gain exposure to emergency-service professions, and prepare for a future of service.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Contact your WBL Coordinator or Law and Justice teacher to request an application and learn about the next steps for enrollment.

Answer the Call. Make a Difference. Be the Future.