FSCJ Receives Grant from AT&T Foundation for Firefighter Training

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has been awarded a $25,000 Fire Cadet Academy Grant from the AT&T Foundation. The grant provides scholarships to 11 students from underserved populations who wish to obtain FSCJ’s Firefighter I/II Workforce Certificate through the Fire Academy of the South (FAS).

The certificate program consists of Fire Fighter I certification that was completed in December 2017 and Fire Fighter II certification that runs from January–May 2018. Students who successfully complete the program qualify to sit for the state minimum standards written, oral and practical examination as administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

In addition to community fire departments, employment opportunities upon completion include inspectors, investigators, forest rangers and smoke jumpers, as well as federal and state installations such as airports and small, private firefighting companies. 

“These scholarship funds will provide a much-needed opportunity for our deserving students to continue their education and emergency training to quickly become skilled firemen and women,” said FSCJ President Dr. Cynthia Bioteau. “We are thankful for this partnership with AT&T as they support our mission to make training available and accessible to those who may otherwise not have the opportunity.”

“Florida’s fire service community is one of the best in the nation, and I fully support making access to training easier and more affordable for those who want to serve,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “Partnerships and support like this help make Florida a better and safer place to live, work and raise a family.” 

Students will be trained in FSCJ’s FAS state-of-the-art training facilities with modern equipment including a new maritime fire trainer and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) simulator.

About AT&T Foundation

For more than 27 years, the AT&T Foundation has been pivotal in enriching and strengthening the diverse communities it serves. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and programs that foster inclusion and create opportunities for diverse populations.

About FSCJ

Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide valuable, high quality learning opportunities to anyone with the desire to enhance themselves through the pursuit of higher education. Serving more than 50,000 students and awarding more than 7,800 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.