Amount Requested: $258,000.00

Houston Community College is the largest emergency medical technician (EMT) training center in the Houston area. It provides initial training for approximately 300-400 new EMTs annually.  The need remains for a minimum of 700 EMTs in the Houston area, a number that is expected to rise with population growth and retirements. Due to the growing shortage of emergency personnel in the Houston area, and an increased interest in the program (e.g., 2008 enrollment exceeded 750 students), this funding support will help keep pace with demand in HCC's Minority Firefighter and EMT Recruitment and Training Program.  Specifically, FY10 funding will be used to enhance HCC’s ability to target minority student participation in the program that leads to gainful employment opportunities. The EMT program is conducive to offering state of the art training opportunities to EMTs and other first responders that will benefit the entire region.  The program targets minorities seeking to enhance their skills and provides work opportunities that ultimately help the community at large.