The City of Albany has embarked on a program to award new scholarships to provide free Emergency Medical Technician training and certification to economically challenged Albany residents.
The program is part of Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s Equity Agenda, designed to break barriers and bring economic opportunity to all the people of Albany. "This is an example of how, through working together, in partnership with the private sector, in partnership with the state, and in partnership across departments, that we can start to provide transformation for individuals who are seeking to move forward to obtain certifications and opportunities that will allow them to get on a career ladder."
Fifteen scholarships will provide all expenses associated with EMT training, including tuition and materials. Mohawk Ambulance will provide the funding for books needed for the training, and with funds from the New York State Department of Labor, the city will provide tuition and other costs, up to $1,000. The scholarships are available to Albany residents who are at least 18 and earn less than $37,000 a year.
Albany Fire Chief Warren Abriel noted that a valid EMT certification card, which follows training, is a prerequisite to becoming an Albany firefighter. "It is part of the exam requirements that you be an EMT. It's also a very good first step in the health care field. And above all, this may be the training that allows you to save the life of a loved one, a family member... this is knowledge that you're gonna carry with you for the rest of your life."
Jonathan Jones, Albany's Commissioner of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services, says his team was an integral part of making this initiative possible. "Not everyone can afford the type of training that's gonna be provided through this program, so any way that we can be of assistance, and using different partners to make this happen, it's gonna be important for the city, for residents who couldn't maybe have this opportunity available to them, now they can take advantage of it."
Sheehan says there are several ways to apply for a scholarship. "People can apply on Mohawk Ambulance Dot com by clicking on 'public education' and 'city of Albany scholarship.' They can apply at any Albany firehouse. We're trying to make this as simple as possible for individuals. And they can apply right here at City Hall in our human resources department."
Applications must be submitted by June 1. The scholarships are being offered for Mohawk EMT training courses being held Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., June 18 to August 20