Funding supports
and trains future first responders
In
a ceremony where words like “commitment,” “bravery” and “gratitude” were used
frequently, six students in Salt Lake Community College’s (SLCC) Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT) Program—Maria Mazzel Delgado, Jake Fisher, Justine
Hanscom, Hevelyn Cidade Klegues, Mark Rodgers and Chelise Schaefer—were awarded
the AT&T Public Safety Hero Scholarship to support their first responder
training.
Four
scholarship recipients are graduating from SLCC’s EMT program this month and
two are prepared to begin the 13-week program in January.
“This
scholarship from AT&T has taken a financial weight off my shoulders,” said scholarship
recipient Jake Fisher. “It means the world to me. I know that it will help me, and
my fellow students reach our educational and professional goals.”
Nearly 200
SLCC EMT students complete this certification each year and graduates of this program are currently working in
hospitals, fire departments, ambulance companies, and a wide variety of other
public service-oriented careers.
“Salt
Lake Community College’s EMT program is designed to give students access to
knowledge, skills and hands-on experience at the highest level,” said Gary Cox,
Interim Dean of the School of Applied Technology and Professional Development. “These
scholarships help students overcome financial barriers to allow them to
concentrate on their learning, training and experience and really focus on
finding meaningful careers, helping people in need, keeping our communities
safe and saving lives.”
“AT&T
is committed to education, to building connected communities and to keeping
people safe by supporting our first responders,” said Tara Thue, President,
AT&T Utah. “We are honored to partner with SLCC in its efforts to provide
education and career opportunities for dedicated students who are willing to be
on the front lines as first responders.”