Extra-Curricular Programs

These types of programs can be part of a more comprehensive pathway program for high school students, but we put them in a separate category because they can stand alone. Two of the most common related to the LPS Cluster are Public Safety Cadets, Explorers and Skills USA.

Cadet programs like Public Safety Cadets (PSC) and Explorers are in most states.  PSC has two primary programs: Firefighting and Law Enforcement. Explorer programs are in many different career fields. ECadet programs are often open to those between 16 and 21 years old. The age range can vary by department, with 14 to 18 years old also common. Either a law enforcement agency or fire department has to sponsor a program. Curriculum and insurance are available at reasonable costs.

SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including firefighting and criminal justice, and for further education. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. More than 360,000 students and advisors join SkillsUSA each year, organized into more than 19,000 local chapters and 52 state and territorial associations SkillsUSA offers local, state and national opportunities for students to learn and practice personal, workplace and technical skills. These three components comprise the SkillsUSA Framework, a blueprint for career readiness. Local chapters conduct a full program of work and many students also attend a district or state conference. At the SkillsUSA Championships, more than 6,000 students compete in 100 occupational and leadership skill areas each June. These national technical competitions help establish industry standards for job skill training and entry-level workers. SkillsUSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a successful model of employer-driven youth development training.