Saratoga County EMT Career Pathway for Youth

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Saratoga County Department of Employment and Training launched the EMT Career Pathway for Youth Pilot Program in June 2022. Born out of the need for current and future first responders, the program is designed to be the first step in a lifelong dedication to public service and greater medical careers for participants. The County created a community-based collaboration to provide students the structure and supports needed for success, partnering with the Town of Clifton Park, Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), and Shenendehowa High School (Shen). Students from Shen in Clifton Park enrolled at Hudson Valley Community College and began their training at the HVCC TEC-SMART campus in Malta. The program encompassed 140 hours of instruction and practical lab time in addition to 10 patient ride-alongs with Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS. At completion, they earned seven college credits. The successful program saw a 100% graduation rate and was recognized by the New York State School Board Association as a Champions of Change. Today there are six new EMTs in Saratoga County. Saratoga County is expanding this program to 18 students in 2023.