Area high school students interested in firefighting have a chance to get a head start on their career, thanks to another significant financial boost from the State of Wisconsin.

This is the second time in two years that the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services has awarded FVTC a Youth Firefighter Training grant. The $15,000 in funding will support FVTC’s Firefighting Principles academy for high school students. The program introduces students to careers in firefighting while earning college credits in high school.

“Through the support of the DSPS and this grant, FVTC can expand access to our Fire Fighting Principles course for high school students—preparing them for state certification, college credit, and careers in fire service. By partnering with area high schools and fire departments, we’re building a stronger pipeline of skilled, volunteer firefighters ready to serve their communities.”

-John Sorenson, Dean of Public Safety

Students earn four college credits while in the academy and obtain a State of Wisconsin Firefighter 1 certification, which is needed to serve as a volunteer firefighter. 

The grant funds help pay for things like transportation from high schools to the FVTC Public Safety Training Center, plus class materials and turnout gear. There is no cost to the student to enroll in the program.

The next academy starts in January of 2026. Junior and senior high school students will learn more about the program when they return to their high school in fall and have until October 1 to apply.