McKinney Fire Department Career Academy Application

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a student applying for entry into the Youth Career Academy?making a recommendation on behalf of a student?
Youth Career Academy Application

The McKinney Fire Department is holding two Youth Career Academies for kids ages 12 - 15
Please Note: Due to limited class sizes, participants may be selected based on the responses in their application. Your child's place in the Academy will be confirmed by email.

Cost: $25 for McKinney residents and $40 for non-residents. If the cost poses a challenge, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to make accommodations.
Academy Dates
Select first choice for academy session

Academy 1: June 2 - 6, 2025Academy 2: June 9 - 13, 2025
Select second choice for academy session

Academy 1: June 2 - 6, 2025Academy 2: June 9 - 13, 2025
Program Overview and Expectations
This program is not a casual summer camp. While we want Academy participants to have fun, this is an immersive training experience. Students must be willing to work hard, follow instructions, and conduct themselves with respect and discipline.

The Academy is designed to introduce young individuals to the fire service and includes:
- Physically demanding activities (e.g., lifting, running, crawling, repelling, and team-based challenges)
- Structured training sessions led by experienced firefighters
- Hands-on learning in fire, rescue, medical, and emergency operations
- Visits to various city locations to train with fire crews in action
- Exposure to teamwork, leadership, and responsibility in high-stakes situations
The McKinney Fire Department operates as a para-military organization, meaning it follows a structured, disciplined system. This structure ensures order, discipline, and efficiency in emergencies. While students are not held to professional firefighter standards, they are expected to adhere to them as much as possible for safety and personal development.

Rules of Behavior
- Students will be expected to maintain a mature and respectful attitude toward classmates and instructors
- Students must respect personal space and follow a strict "no touch" policy, similar to school guidelines
- Students are expected to keep up with their personal belongings and should limit what they bring to class (notebooks, etc.)
- To ensure a focused learning environment, electronics are not permitted during class. Cell phones may be brought to class, but they will be securely stored in a designated bag during instructional periods. Phones may be returned during lunch breaks for use at that time.
- Students are expected to participate in all class activities (unless they are unable to). Instructors should be given notice of Academy participants' physical limitations prior to the start of the Academy.
- Violations of the rules of behavior may result in removal from the class for the day. Subsequent violations may result in expulsion from the Academy.
Class Participant Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Age at the time of Academy
Gender
School Currently Attending
Grade Level
T-shirt Size (Adult sizes)

SmallMediumLargeX-LargeXX-Large
Guardian / Parent Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Emergency Contact Information
Primary Emergency Contact Name

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Student
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Secondary Emergency Contact Name

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Student
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
All medical emergencies will be treated as such and will be attended to by the McKinney Fire Department as deemed necessary by academy personnel, instructors, or coordinators.
Student Questionnaire

To be completed by the student in their own words. Thoughtful responses will strengthen your application.
Why do you want to participate in the McKinney Fire Department Youth Career Academy?
Minimum of five (5) sentences.
What do you hope to learn from this Academy, and how will it apply to your goals?
Acknowledgements
Parent / Guardian Acknowledgement
- My child understands the expectations of this program.
- My child will be held accountable for their effort, attitude, and participation.
- I will be informed of my child's progress throughout the Academy.
- I have provided accurate information regarding my child's medical history and accommodations.
Parent / Guardian Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have read the information above and have completed this form to the best of my ability.
Student Acknowledgement
- This program requires discipline, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
- I am responsible for my effort, attitude, and ability to follow instructions.
- I will approach challenges with determination and will not quit.
- I am genuinely interested in this program and committed to self-improvement.
Student Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have read the information above and have completed this form to the best of my ability.
Youth Career Academy Recommendation

To be completed by a non-family mentor, teacher or coach
Please Note: Due to limited class sizes, participants may be selected based on the responses in their application.
Student Name

First NameLast Name
Name of Person Making Recommendation

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Student
Recommender Email
example@example.com
Recommender Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
We may contact you for clarification. Your feedback is important to the selection process.
How long have you known this student and in what capacity?
How would you describe their work ethic, attitude, and ability to follow instructions?
Have you seen this student in a team setting? How do they contribute?
What would you like us to know about this student and their abilities?
Should be Empty:

Youth Career Academy Application

Please Note: Due to limited class sizes, participants may be selected based on the responses in their application. Your child's place in the Academy will be confirmed by email.

Academy Dates

Program Overview and Expectations

Rules of Behavior

Class Participant Information

Guardian / Parent Information

Emergency Contact Information

Student Questionnaire

Acknowledgements

Parent / Guardian Acknowledgement

Student Acknowledgement

Youth Career Academy Recommendation

Please Note: Due to limited class sizes, participants may be selected based on the responses in their application.