SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County Public Schools has been awarded a historic $2.7 million grant for a program designed to prepare students interested in a fire and emergency services career.

According to a news release, the Bear Brigade Fire Academy at Winter Springs High School marks the largest single-program grant in the district’s history. The innovative program aims to equip students with the skills needed for careers in fire and emergency services.

“This program is a game-changer for our students and community,” Superintendent Serita Beamon said in a release. “The Bear Brigade Fire Academy will offer unparalleled opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and enter a career field that is in high demand both locally and nationally. We are grateful for the investment in our students and their futures.”

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The Bear Brigade Fire Academy will include:

• State-of-the-art training facilities and simulation labs to replicate real-world emergency scenarios.

• Hands-on field experiences to immerse students in the day-to-day responsibilities of fire and emergency service professionals.

• Collaboration with Seminole State College to ensure a seamless transition for students pursuing higher education and advanced certifications.

The Bear Brigade Fire Academy will feature a comprehensive curriculum in firefighting beginning in ninth grade then in their senior year, students will transition to dual enrollment courses through Seminole State College.

Graduates will gain an advantage when applying to Seminole State’s Fire Academy, offering them a direct pathway to certification and career readiness in the fire and emergency services sector.

“This program represents the perfect blend of academic rigor, career preparation, and community impact,” Principal Pete Gaffney said in a release. “We are thrilled to offer this academy and are excited to see our students rise to the challenge of becoming tomorrow’s heroes.”

The Bear Brigade Fire Academy will launch in the 2025-2026 school year and is expected to enroll its first class of students this fall.

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