BY LEAH SHAW

Career Pathways to Public Safety (CPPS), now provides internships to students in its public safety program.

Currently, the one to two-month long internships in the fire program serve as further skill building and career development to bridge, the time between graduation and taking the required civil service exam, or beginning a trainee program.

According to Robert Poles, a former Rochester Police Dept. officer and program coordinator, he created the 2-year career training program, sponsored by the Rochester City School District and the city of Rochester, facilitates classroom to career opportunities for city-based students interested in a career in law enforcement, fire safety or emergency services.

“When you look at the opportunity for our young people, who haven’t been to college to complete a 2-year degree, or 4-year degree, this is a real alternative for them,” said Poles.

The program launched in 2012, with 29 students. Since then, around 70 students, per year. Last year, 36 students graduated. While, 90 percent stay on to graduate, 10 percent typically drop out of the program, due to academic requirements, said Poles.

The goal at CPPS, is to meet the needs of Rochester communities by introducing students to careers that directly help their neighborhoods. The program accepts 11th and 12th grade students that are in good academic standing and meet detailed requirements to enroll in classes held at the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC).

Eleventh grade students complete, a 36-week class that exposes them to career fundamentals and requirements of all public safety careers.

Senior students, enroll in courses targeted at their career of choice. Courses count as college credit towards a secondary- degree or needed certifications

Previously, students went from graduation to their applicable civil service exam, then to a trainee program, enrolled in academy (a requirement for law enforcement only) and applied for hiring. Now, post-graduation, students can begin an internship program.

CPPS wants to provide further training and skills development with internships, while retaining applicants in those fields.

Traditionally, the firefighter and emergency responder programs have had a high success rate. Both careers accept applicants starting at the age of 18. But, to apply for a career in law enforcement, applicants must be 20 years old. This creates an 18 to 24-month window, where many ends up reconsidering their career choice.

Poles diligently presents CPPS, as a viable career option with opportunities for growth, benefits and a healthy income.

“Most students really didn’t understand the opportunity and benefits the career offers, until they’re about to graduate and the reality check hits,” Poles said
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With the added internship component, Poles is hoping for higher enrollment and retention numbers. He wants students to see the program as a successful alternative to the traditional college degree route.
“When you talk about challenges that the city of Rochester has and you’re able to put them on a seamless pathway, then you’re doing the right thing,” he said.