Coronado HS Launches Fire Science Academy in Partnership with EVIT, SFD, Scottsdale Charros
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (September 11, 2024) – Coronado High School is excited to announce the launch of the Coronado Fire Science Academy on its campus, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This innovative program is a collaborative effort between the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), the Scottsdale Fire Department, and the Scottsdale Charros, and is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and training in fire science and emergency medical services.
This Coronado Fire Science Academy will be open to students across SUSD, as well as those from surrounding areas. Students enrolled in the program will have the unique opportunity to earn industry certifications in areas such as HazMat, Wildland Firefighting, EMT, and Firefighter I and II. The program is tailored for juniors and seniors, offering a morning block of intensive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to be competitive candidates for fire departments and emergency services careers.
“This partnership with EVIT, Scottsdale Fire, and the Charros is a testament to our commitment to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students and prepare them for post-secondary success,” said Melinda Splitek, Coronado High School Principal. “The Fire Science Academy not only equips students with valuable skills and certifications but also connects them with mentors and professionals in the field, setting them on a path to success.”
The Fire Science Academy’s curriculum combines traditional classroom instruction with practical training, including running hoses, placing ladders, and other critical firefighting skills. As part of this unique program, students will have direct access to mentorship from Scottsdale Fire Department personnel, who will guide them through the rigorous demands of the profession and help them build a network of industry contacts.
“We are thrilled to partner with Coronado High School in launching this Fire Science Academy,” said Chief Tom Shannon, Scottsdale Fire Department. “This program is an incredible opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and prepare for careers in public safety. Our involvement ensures that students receive the highest quality training and mentorship.”
In preparation for the program’s launch, Coronado High School will host a series of events to generate interest and secure enrollment. These include a "Lunch and Learn" event on October 2 at Coronado, during which SUSD students can meet Academy instructors and learn more about the program.
Enrollment for the inaugural 2025-26 cohort of students will begin on October 14, 2024, with a cap of 50 students.
“EVIT anchors itself in the belief that quality career and technical education programs can change lives," said EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson. "We are excited and grateful to partner with Coronado High School, Scottsdale Unified, and Scottsdale Fire to offer Fire Science programming at Coronado. This program will not only give students a leg up in their career goals but will build capacity for quality employees to join Scottsdale Fire and other departments around the Valley and the state."
Students and families interested in learning more about the Coronado Fire Science Academy are encouraged to attend the upcoming events, visit the school’s website at www.susd.org/coronado and schedule a tour.
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About the Scottsdale Unified School District With more than 20,000 students in 30 schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 127 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, X: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube