The Emergency Management STEP (EM STEP) Program offers a pathway for individuals interested in emergency management careers by providing financial assistance and educational support. The program aims to help students begin their exploration of career opportunities while alleviating financial burdens.
Jalen Townsell, an alumnus of the EM STEP Program, expressed his gratitude for the grant, stating, “Being able to help others has always been something I’ve loved, so being able to help people on their worst day is something I want to do. The EM STEP Grant is special because it helps people of all ages begin their journey of giving back to others in the community. It allows you to take a step towards your dream, even if you cannot financially afford it.”
Townsell has completed a workshop and obtained a skills certificate through the program. He hopes to pursue a career in fire service and has already participated in ride-alongs with the Reno Fire Department.
Gemmy Domingo, Program Manager for the EM Step Grant, explained that the grant supports students pursuing careers in various emergency professions such as CNA, Phlebotomy, EMT, EMTA, Fire Academy, Sterile Processing, and Dispatch. “It’s an opportunity to complete their training programs without the added financial stress," Domingo said. "It provides financial support to cover essential costs like tuition, fees, uniforms, drug screenings, and background checks."
The program includes workshops designed to explore different careers within emergency management and prepare students for further education in the field. Domingo emphasized that traditional financial aid might only cover tuition costs; however, the EM STEP Grant extends support by covering additional expenses like uniforms and screening fees.
Townsell noted how comprehensive the grant was: “The EM STEP Grant helped me way more than I expected it to,” he said. “It covered tuition for my EMT basic course and everything from my uniform to the cost of my NREMT.”
Participants have access to experienced professionals such as Dr. Aaron Kenneston and Jeff Whitesides who facilitate workshops offering guidance on career options. Kenneston brings extensive experience from his role as Director of Washoe County Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Domingo highlighted student satisfaction with both educational content and financial support: “Students have found the program to be thorough and informative. They also appreciate the stipend which helps alleviate financial concerns."
As Townsell looks forward toward achieving his professional goals within emergency services he remains optimistic about future prospects offered by this initiative: “I know that EM STEP grant covers fire academy so anyone interested should take advantage.”
The next round eight-week workshops begins January 2025; applicants are encouraged apply early meet any pre-registration requirements necessary participation steps outlined on website including interest form submission followed direct coordination via Domingo herself ensure smooth enrollment process according qualifications outlined include U.S citizenship residency Nevada neighboring states age minimum 18 years old pursuit entry-level skills certification specific emergencies related fields interest contact TMCC manager at provided number further inquiries details available through official channels connected respective departments involved implementation oversight efforts aimed broadening access expanding horizons across diverse communities served nationwide today tomorrow alike fostering inclusive environment conducive success driven passion fueled determination inspired action driven purposeful engagement shared values collective commitment toward meaningful change realized fullest potential attainable every individual participating along journey embarked upon together united cause common purpose beyond self singularity alone transcending limitations barriers past present future envisioned brighter tomorrow possible ever before imaginable here now onwards forevermore...