Next fall, students at Coronado High School won’t just be hitting the books. Some will be hoisting ladders, learning to run hoses, and training side-by-side with real firefighters.
Starting with the 2025–2026 school year, Coronado is launching the Coronado Fire Science Academy—a new program built in partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department, the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), the Scottsdale Charros, and the Scottsdale Unified School District. The goal? To prepare high schoolers for real careers in firefighting and emergency medical services—before they even graduate.
The academy will be open to juniors and seniors across the district and surrounding areas. Up to 50 students will be accepted into the first cohort, where they’ll earn industry certifications in areas like EMT, HazMat, Wildland Firefighting, and Firefighter I and II.
“This partnership with EVIT, Scottsdale Fire, and the Charros is a testament to our commitment to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students and prepare them for post-secondary success,” said Coronado Principal Melinda Splitek. “The Fire Science Academy not only equips students with valuable skills and certifications but also connects them with mentors and professionals in the field, setting them on a path to success.”
The program blends traditional classroom learning with hands-on experience. That means students will trade in their notebooks for nozzles as they practice setting up ladders, handling hoses, and mastering the physical demands of the job.
Scottsdale Fire Department personnel will serve as mentors, helping students gain insight into the profession and build early connections within the field.
“We are thrilled to partner with Coronado High School in launching this Fire Science Academy,” said Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “This program is an incredible opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and prepare for careers in public safety. Our involvement ensures that students receive the highest quality training and mentorship.”
To get students excited about the program, Coronado will host a “Lunch and Learn” event on October 2. Interested students will be able to meet instructors, hear from Scottsdale Fire mentors, and ask questions about what the program involves.
Applications for the inaugural class open October 14.
“EVIT anchors itself in the belief that quality career and technical education programs can change lives,” said EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson. “We are excited and grateful to partner with Coronado High School, Scottsdale Unified, and Scottsdale Fire to offer Fire Science programming at Coronado. This program will not only give students a leg up in their career goals but will build capacity for quality employees to join Scottsdale Fire and other departments around the Valley and the state.”
For families curious about the new academy, tours and more information will be available at www.susd.org/coronado.
For some students, this program could be the first step toward a firefighting career. For others, it may simply spark an interest they never knew they had.
Either way, Coronado’s new Fire Science Academy is lighting the way.
