The Pre-Med and Health Academy at John Dewey High School prepares students for college coursework in medical and health care professions. The four-year math-science program culminates with internships at various placements including Maimonides Hospital, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and certifications through the American Red Cross. Students graduate with their CPR certification and will now have the opportunity to secure a full EMT certification with job placement assistance upon program completion. The new EMT program will have freshmen students begin a pre-med four-year sequence in the EMT program, and during their junior and senior year, JDHS is hopeful they will receive CTE certification along with college credits for the coursework, provided the NYC Department of Education accepts this new program into their CTE portfolio.
Beginning in September 2021, John Dewey High School will partner with Staten Island EMT to train and certify students with an EMT certificate in the four-year pre-med and health program and also students who are not initially part of the four-year sequence that wish to become an EMT will be welcomed into this program during their junior year at John Dewey High School. This significant investment will help support the health and science program at John Dewey High School and help them to create an approved CTE program in the very near future; building on Council Member Treyger’s investment of a medical training room at Grady High School for future nurses, furthering a pipeline for in-demand jobs and careers.
“I’m proud to support this exciting real-life learning opportunity for students. During their high school experience, they will be able to become trained and certified EMTs and be prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. This is a game-changing program for our students in Southern Brooklyn and I look forward to cutting the ribbon on the brand new medical triage classroom that will provide a strong learning foundation for students interested in the medical and health fields,” said Council Member Mark Treyger (Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend, Sea Gate).
“Throughout my career I have always worked to serve the children of south Brooklyn in the best way I knew how. I know that what our children need is real-life experiences and job training to help them secure a career for their futures. It is with great pride that we are taking the steps necessary to offer every opportunity possible to our children through enhancing our Career Ready programs; specifically developing an EMT certification program here at John Dewey High School. It is our goal to give our students a foundation to build upon as they pursue their futures and a means to reach their life goals,” said Connie Hamilton, Principal, John Dewey High School.
