Many students in the program receive funding from Southern California Edison, totaling $80,000 in critical scholarship funding, in partnership with SAC’s Foundation & Office of College Advancemen
(SANTA ANA, Calif.) The Fire Technology program at Santa Ana College (SAC) is the oldest of its kind in California and continues to produce the state’s finest firefighters. For the last two years, more than one quarter of the program’s students attending the academy received scholarship funding from Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE), through the SAC Office of College Advancement & SAC Foundation. In addition to the last two years of generous funding totaling $50,000, SCE just confirmed 2020’s funding at $30,000, totaling $80,000 in high-impact scholarships for these students and future fire professionals.
“We are very appreciative for Edison International’s generous support of Santa Ana College’s Fire Technology Program,” said Daniel Stefano, Costa Mesa fire chief and SAC Foundation board member. “Edison International and SCE’s commitment and valued partnership with the Santa Ana College Foundation and specifically, the Fire Technology Program, truly makes a difference.”
“Edison International and the SAC Foundation have successfully partnered together for years on providing scholarships to deserving students pursuing their dreams in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM),” according to Scott Brown, Senior Fire Management Officer with SCE. “When Edison learned about SAC’s accredited fire technology program and the similar financial needs of the students, we knew we wanted to further invest in our partnership with the college and in the next generation of fire service professionals.”
Last year, 19 of the program’s 96 students received Edison International’s financial assistance. This year, the total is up to 20, including new scholarship recipient Jeniffer Haugen. On average, recipients receive awards in the amount of $1,282.
“The scholarship money will help to reduce some of the financial burden of the large cost of fire academy,” Haugen said. “So far, we have been learning the ins and outs of protective gear, navigating in a smoke-filled environment, rescuing a downed person and the basics of wildland firefighting.”
Brown agreed, and added that the investment in SAC was a no-brainer.
“We invest in fire technology programs at selected community colleges across Edison’s service area because our partners, like SAC, are best equipped with the knowledge and expertise to make a positive, direct impact in these students’ education,” he said.
The program is administered under the guidance of the Orange County Fire Chiefs’ Association and is nationally recognized as a premier fire-training program. The Fire Tech program was approved by the State Fire Marshal and State Board of Fire Services as the first accredited regional fire academy in California. Graduates receive training that far exceeds that which is required for California Firefighter I Certification, including certificates in Vehicle Extrication, Hazardous Materials First Responder, Firefighter Survival, Rescue Systems I, Fire Control III and Low Angle Rope Rescue.
"The generosity of Edison International, SCE and the SAC Foundation are pivotal components to the successes of scholarship recipients,” said Joseph Dulla, interim associate dean of the Fire Tech program. “Costs for Fire Academy recruits can range into the thousands. The support provided by this private/public partnership enables students, who otherwise might not be able to enroll, the opportunity to attend the academy, graduate, and fulfill their lifelong dreams of serving our communities as firefighters."
Stefano agrees. “This gift and the continued support from SCE will be a game changer for our future fire service professionals who are learning, training and working hard at Santa Ana College to be their absolute best.”
To learn more about the Fire Tech program at SAC, visit sac.edu/firetech.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, and provides invaluable workforce training and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
