The keys to achieving both gender equity and workforce diversity are recruiting and mentoring youth from within the Central Valley.
To this end, the FFD, in partnership with the Fresno Fire Chief’s Foundation (FFCF), sponsors the Girls Empowerment Camp (GEC). The GEC bridges the gap between youth development and adult recruitment. This one-day program accommodates 50 young women ranging from 14 to 18 years of age. These participants get hands-on orientation and training with actual firefighting tools, equipment, and classroom instruction. The curriculum is designed to inspire interested young women considering a career with the fire service. From this pool of motivated young women we hope to help guide them towards future application to our agency through mentoring and other support. The GEC is staffed by FFD active duty female and male firefighters in addition to female firefighters from surrounding fire agencies, and both male and female Fresno City College Fire Academy Cadets.
**Note: This program is open to all genders on a first-come, first-served basis; however, it is geared toward exposing young women to the profession of firefighting through the lens of a female firefighting perspective.