DATE:
December 09, 2025
05
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS AND ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CORPS PROGRAM IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
In 2008, the statewide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps was launched to provide an innovative Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) job training program for traditionally underserved Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 18-26, that prioritizes individuals who have been impacted by the child welfare services and/or juvenile justice systems. EMS Corps participants are provided more than double the minimum educational hours, receive monthly stipends, have access to support services, and participate in ride-alongs, as they prepare to become fully employed in the EMS, allied health, or advance to become professional firefighters.
Due to the success of EMS Corps, in 2023 the California Employment Development Department (EDD) authorized an expansion of the program from one to 11 counties, and San Diego County received $1,270,000 in grant funds in 2024 for 60 students. San Diego County Fire (County Fire) launched the first of three cohorts in July of 2025 for the 5-month long EMS Corps program, which operates through contracts with Southwestern College as the training institution, SBCS for services, and agreements with private ambulance providers to support the program and provide possible employment opportunities.
On July 28, 2025, County Fire submitted a grant proposal to the San Diego Workforce Partnership's EMS-Fire Pilot Pathways Initiative Participant & Program Support, to secure funding to initiate a fourth EMS Corps cohort in North County through a partnership with Palomar College. On November 13, 2025, the proposal was approved and awarded $500,000 in grant funds to support a fourth cohort of 20 students in 2026.
Today's recommended actions include approval to accept grant funds in the amount of $5...
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