Crafton Hills College’s Fire Academy Receives $1.8 Million Gift

YUCAIPA, CA – At a time when updated industry standards have forced cadets at Crafton Hills College’s Fire Academy to pay more money out-of-pocket, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has gifted the program $1.8 million to help achieve its mission.

The donation is the largest ever received by the CHC Foundation.

“I have never seen in my entire time at Crafton a grant this large for a program like ours,” said Academy Chief Mike Alder. “It is a tremendous shot in the arm for the Academy and the cadets.”

Amidst a severe regional shortage of trained professionals in the community, which CHS has attributed to the high cost students must bear to qualify for positions in emergency medical services and firefighting, the 18-week course serves to train a highly-qualified and diverse pool of recruits to serve the local area.

In order to prepare for their positions, cadets must pay the price for uniforms, equipment, supplies, testing, licensing and certifications.

CHS has identified a critical need for a new-generation cadet pool for its fire science and paramedic programs. To help mitigate this need, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has promised $1.8 million to the CHC Fire Academy for students with financial barriers to access training at CHC’s Fire Academy.

“It has been an honor to partner with Crafton Hills on both financial support and recruitment,” said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez Jr. “Every person should be able to follow their dreams regardless of their financial situation. The Tribe is excited to hear this may close the gap between diverse communities and access to following their dreams in firefighting.”

“One of the greatest assets we have as a college is the support of our community and partnerships with extraordinary organizations, such as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians,” added Crafton Hills College President Dr. Kevin Horan. “We are humbled by their generosity and shared interest in building a talented and diverse first responder workforce.”

“We are grateful to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their generous support of our local students,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Rodriguez. “The Crafton Hills College Fire Academy opens doors to good-paying jobs for our graduates. This gift will help build a diverse workforce of firefighters who will combat California’s wildfires and keep our communities safe.”

Crafton’s Fire Academy, which is offered once each fall and then again in the spring, trains about 30 cadets each term.

College officials applied for the grant in December 2021 with support from the CHC Foundation, a nonprofit that looks to advance the educational, career and personal successes of Roadrunners through engagement and learning.

“This grant opens up doors for those who are currently at a financial disadvantage to go through the program,” Alder said. “It has always been our goal to increase diversity not just in our program, but the service industry as a whole.”

“I was getting really concerned about the program because costs were going up. I kept asking myself, ‘What are we going to do? How are going to fix this?’ and then San Manuel comes to the rescue. I feel much better about the program’s future now and I couldn’t be happier.”

To learn more about the Fire Academy or to apply, go to www.craftonhills.edu/fireacademy.