Prior to the EMS Academy, there was only one person of color per year in the state who graduated as an EMT. To date, Saint Paul EMS Academy has graduated twenty-one disadvantaged young adults, ages 18-24. In the six short months, after the implementation of the first Academy, we have increased the number of EMTs of color twenty-fold and created jobs for 90% of our graduates. At the onset of last year’s Academy, 84% had no income and/or resided in families with $0 income and 16% of the families earned less than $27,000 annually; median wage for a starting EMT profession is roughly $30,982 plus benefits. The success of the 2009 EMS Academies was recognized as a best practice by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the International Firefighters Association.

We continue to learn from our partners and from each program experience to be more effective. For instance, we have implemented a more thorough educational assessment and we have added a Licensed Social Worker position to assist participants with wrap-around services. We are also exploring a partnership opportunity with the Saint Paul Public Housing Authority to provide safe, free or affordable public housing for graduates of the EMS Academy. In return, they would provide onsite community service and medical emergency response to residents living in public housing. This partnership will promote healthier communities, a decrease in 911 calls, and reduce wait times in emergency rooms. More importantly, the graduates living in public housing provide a mentoring opportunity for younger youth.