Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Superintendent Justin Robertson announced on Tuesday Hamilton County Schools’ first ‘pipeline partnership’ with Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service (HCEMS). This partnership provides students in Hixson High School’s Health Science career and technical program with hands-on training to become a paramedic and an opportunity to earn a job with HCEMS upon graduation.
“With the number of medical calls to 911 at all-time highs, this new pathway has the potential to fill a critical need in our community by introducing talented students to an important, live-saving career,” said Mayor Wamp.
“This partnership with Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service is the latest in a series of investments we are making to offer high school students across Hamilton County the opportunity to develop valuable career skills.”
This partnership will provide students with experience working alongside the region’s leading professionals in Emergency Medicine at the new HCEMS training facility.
“The launch of our first ‘Pipeline Partnership’ is a great example of how we can collaborate with stakeholders to create unique and meaningful opportunities for students that reduce barriers for success,” Dr. Robertson said. “Beyond investing in today’s students to help them pursue their dreams, this program is an investment in Hamilton County’s future that will develop a new generation of first responders and provide them with a direct path to local employment and service to others.”
The new pathway is part of a broader $3.25 million commitment to career and technical education proposed by Mayor Wamp and recently approved by the Hamilton County Commission. The investments will bolster four different programs, affecting six public schools, and 20 different career pathways. The new EMS career pathway at Hixson High School will receive $250,000 to build out their programming.
“EMS is thrilled to come on board and train students to be prepared for a career in emergency medical service,” said John Miller, director of HCEMS. “We are in constant need of qualified individuals to join our team and this partnership will bolster our workforce with young people eager to serve.”
"This pioneering 'pipeline partnership' marks a significant advancement in educational and career opportunities for our students. By integrating hands-on training with Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service, we are not only enhancing our CTE program but also opening doors for students to secure employment upon graduation,” said Commissioner Ken Smith, who represents Hixson. “Join us in supporting this visionary initiative that promises to enrich both our community and the futures of our young professionals."
“This is another example of all the wonderful programs we are working on across our public schools to better align pathways with industry needs,” said Dr. Olivia Bagby, director of HCS Future Ready Students. “Our goal is to empower students for success beyond the classroom, and it’s exciting to know these students are guaranteed an immediate opportunity for meaningful employment when they leave the program.”
“I am thankful to Mayor Wamp and EMS for choosing to invest in our students. Families all across Hamilton County will be better served because of this, and it provides students at Hixson a unique opportunity they can’t find anywhere else,” said Dr. Lee Ziegler, principal of Hixson High School.
Students can enroll in the program in Fall 2024.