The HACC Foundation has completed its #HACCFirstResponderClub crowdfunding campaign to recruit, engage and provide a possible career pathway for future first responders, thanks to a $10,000 contribution in 2022 from AT&T Foundation.
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is one of the largest public safety training organizations in our region. Many recruits for HACC’s public safety programs are graduating high school students, but the junior first responder club will spark interest as early as middle school and early high school.
During this crucial time when students are exploring potential careers, junior first responder club members will explore all facets of public safety by engaging in hands-on, experiential learning in the areas of law enforcement, fire and rescue and emergency medical services. Some examples of this type of learning include:
Engaging with HACC students in public safety programs and with public safety professionals
Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, self-defense and situational awareness
Participating in team-building and leadership activities
Using a fire extinguisher
Students also may have opportunities to earn credentials by participating in this club.
Across all sectors of public safety, there is a need for new, diverse employees. By involving students in experiential learning and offering these opportunities, the club potentially will attract underserved and underrepresented students to public safety programs. Our community will benefit from having a more diverse future workforce.
