Seminole County has recently been given a $2.7 million grant to establish the Bear Brigade Fire Academy at Winter Springs High School. This grant is the largest single program grant in SCPS history.  The academy will be launching in the 2025-2026 school year, and is planning on starting classes in the Fall of 2025. The program aims to provide students with an education in emergency and fire services, and a pathway to encourage and help them eventually get a career in a field that is in high demand both locally and nationally.

The academy will include training facilities and simulation labs to recreate real world scenarios, and provide field experiences to show students the daily responsibilities and expectations of fire and emergency service professionals. Additionally it will allow students to have hands-on training with the equipment they would use if they decide to pursue a career in fire or emergency services. The Bear Brigade is also working with Seminole State College to provide students a seamless transition to higher education and advanced certifications. Program graduates will have an advantage when applying to Seminole State’s Fire Academy, as they will already have hands-on training and experiences in the field. Students will join the academy in ninth grade and will continue to attend until they graduate, with students joining dual enrollment courses via Seminole State College in their senior year.

“I was very very excited about the prospect of us having the Fire Academy at Winter Springs High School. It ties very nicely into the Principles of Public Services program we already have,” said Principal Peter Gaffney. All in all, WSHS is ready to spark career advancement with our new fire program.