By Joshua Robison / The Jambar
As a newly added program for the fall semester, the Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science at Youngstown State University received national recognition from the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education initiative — a service developed by the U.S. Fire Administration.
The certificate of recognition was presented Aug. 5 during YSU’s Fire Science Advisory Board meeting. The program was recognized for its accordance with federal standards that best prepare students for leadership roles in emergency responder positions, firefighting, fire prevention and system inspection.
Kim Verdone, advisory board member, ensures that experiential learning credits and Prior Learning Assessment Credits are awarded appropriately, specifically to students entering the program with a Firefighter 240 credential.
The credential refers to the Firefight II certification that is a requirement for career firefighters in Ohio. This is achieved by attending a 240-hour academy or two 120-hour training programs.
Verdone said the FESHE recognition will benefit students’ timeline to graduate and further motivate program completion.
“This recognition not only accelerates their academic progress by honoring their real world experience as first responders, but also reinforces their motivation to complete the program as they feel their prior learning is truly valued,” Verdone said.
She also said the FESHE recognition serves as a powerful affirmation to the overall quality of the new program, and creates pride among students being part of a recognized program.
Carl DeCarlo, director of the Fire Science program, spoke on behalf of the advisory about their excitement after receiving recognition.
“We’re excited to be a recognized program by the United States Fire Administration. It adds credibility to the program and to the university, as well as the graduates,” DeCarlo said.
DeCarlo also mentioned that the Fire Science program is a new program to YSU, with courses first added in spring 2025 and other courses offered over the summer.
DeCarlo said with the recognition by FESHE, the program signifies that they are engaged in quality practices in education of fire science professional development, as the curriculum follows a national standard.
“It’s meant to be transferable. It’s meant to create a linear pathway to degree completion and remove fragmented course taking,” DeCarlo said.
Regarding the program’s future, DeCarlo said he plans to work with the advisory board to forge relationships with active stakeholders and other partners within the region.