Receive Credit for Participation in a Cadet Program, Junior Program, or Explorer Post

Participation in a cadet program, junior program or Explorer Post associated with a public safety agency is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about careers in law enforcement, the fire service, EMS, emergency management, corrections and/or homeland security.  Such programs usually offer training, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to support and observe emergency personnel during everyday incidents.  While cadets, juniors and/or explorers are not allowed to participate in any dangerous activities, they are able to learn about and participate in many aspects of the career field.  

Many local departments offer these programs to high school-aged students.  Although eligibility requirements vary by department, most require that students be enrolled in a secondary education institution (i.e. high school or vocational school) and reside in or near the town where they agency operates.  Most agencies require that participants maintain passing grades on quarterly report cards and be of good moral character.  

CLHS recognizes that participation in these organizations is a valuable learning experience that teaches about aspects of public safety that we are unable to address in the classroom setting.  Therefore, students who participate in these programs may earn high school academic credit to be counted towards the “Electives” requirement.

Students may earn a maximum of ½ elective credit each academic year through successful participation with a public safety-related Explorer Post, cadet program or junior program affiliated with a public safety agency.* To be eligible for one-half credit, CLHS students must accrue a minimum of 70 hours of participation in meetings, training, work details, ride-alongs and/or participation in emergency incidents* by June 1st of the school year.  In the event that 70 hours of participation in meetings, training, work details, ride-alongs and/or participation in emergency incidents* are not available in the cadet / junior / Explorer program, the balance of the work may be completed in service performed for the agency, which may be determined in consultation with the program advisor and Public Service Theme Coach.  In addition, the student will complete a monthly journal entry, participate in a monthly check-in with the Public Service Theme Coach, and complete a summative project.

The student who is seeking credit shall file a form with the Public Service Theme Coach no later than September 30th stating his or her intention to seek academic credit at the end of the school year, or if sworn-in after September 30, within two weeks of having been sworn in.  By June 10th, students who applied to seek academic credit shall submit a form, signed by the coordinator of the Explorer Post, junior program, cadet program or chief of department attesting to the completion of time requirements, accompanied by a completed summative activity.

If a student is interested in taking advantage of this program, but is unsure where to start, he/she should speak with the Public Service Theme Coach, who will help him or her to connect with the program(s) in his or her community, should they exist.

* It is understood that CLHS assumes no legal liability for students’ participation in these programs.  Work in public safety fields is inherently dangerous.  Participation by those under the age of 18 is governed by state statutes and regulations, as outlined in the CT Department of Labor publication, “Guidelines for Cadets, Explorers and Junior Members of Fire, Emergency Medical and Police Services” as well as the SOP’s, SOG’s and/or General Orders of the department with which the student is affiliated.