Cadet Programs! Home Fire Safety! School Programs! Girls Empowerment!
We are supporting and empowering youth through a variety of programs focused on culturally diverse underserved communities. We’re working to grow the next generation of first responders who, through their diverse backgrounds, can better address the needs of their communities.
See highlights and pictures from our programs below and help us make San Diego the Safest County in the Nation!
1904 Cadet Program
On the campuses of Health Sciences High and Middle College and Lincoln High School, 1904 Cadets prepares high school students to fill the growing needs in Emergency Medical Response.
The program offers students, primarily from underserved communities, comprehensive education and skills-training in emergency medical care and first aid. Students complete coursework and receive certifications through the American Heart Association.
After establishing a strong foundation of first responder skills, students focus on becoming Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). This is the necessary first step to becoming a firefighter and/or paramedic.
See the 1904 Cadets in action during Fire Prevention Week!
Meet our cadet Fire Chief Aneli Garcia
Cadet Aneli Garcia was recently named one of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in San Diego. The purpose of this program by the Office of the Primary Public Defender is “to increase youth pride, a feeling of connectivity to community, while identifying the untapped potential so they can ultimately make positive and informed life choices.”
Aneli is the Fire Academy Chief at Health Sciences High and Middle College located in City Heights. She has been responsible for the daily operations of the fire program. In March 2023, she competed in the Best of the Best at Cal-Hosa and, out of 120 teams, earned first place, the gold medal for the Emergency Medical Technician category.
Outside of school, she has helped over 200 San Diego residents learn Compression Only CPR. She is captain of the Girls Soccer Team and is also enrolled at Cuyamaca College. Aneli has a 3.97 GPA.
Home Fire Safety Program
Did you know that seven people die every day in a fire? Seconds matter; so, having an escape plan in advance is key to saving lives. The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation sponsors a contest in partnership with the Escondido Fire Department in which students draw out a plan to safely escape from their home. Working with schools during Fire Prevention Week last October, students created a home fire escape plan for their family and practiced it together both in daylight and at night.
The students had a lot of questions about how to escape a fire from their bedroom at night, and, through this program, they gained an understanding of how important it is to prepare for a home fire and have a plan in place. Winners are honored by the Mayor and City Council.
We are planning to expand this vital program in the coming year. Your support will teach every student this life-saving information.
Upcoming Events in 2024-2025
- Best of the Best Competition. (March 16, 2024)
High school students showcase their emergency medical and fire skills in a competition against other high schools in San Diego. Set for 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on March 16, 2024, at the Poway Fire Training Center, 12335 Crosthwaite Circle, Poway, CA - Las Mujeres Fuertes (Date TBD)
Girls learn a variety of first responder skills to expose them to a potential career in the fire service as well as other career opportunities. - Annual Home Fire Escape Plan Student Contest (Fall 2024)
These programs make a difference not only in students’ lives but in the safety of our community!
Join us to expand these programs. Empower the youth in our community and grow the next generation of first responders who will make our region safer. Click here to donate. Your contribution of any amount will go to support the following needs.
- $250 – Training gear for 1 Cadet
- $500 – Training mannequins for CPR training
- $1,000 – Cost to support 2 EMT training classes
- $1,500 – Sponsor A Home Fire Escape Plan contest at 1 school
- $2,500 – Lead Sponsor of the Best of the Best Competition
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORING OUR YOUTH!
Joan Jones
Executive Director
joan@sdfirefoundation.org