IA HF2285

School districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools must offer a junior fire fighter program to students in grades 9-12.

Programs must allow students to learn about fire fighting and emergency services work in a safe environment, provide life skills including teamwork and leadership, foster relationships with emergency services providers, and promote participation in fire/emergency services careers after graduation.

Schools may offer the program as an extracurricular activity or as part of the career and technical education curriculum under the human services component.

Schools can establish their own program or partner with a national organization that provides a similar curriculum.

Implementation costs for school districts shall be paid from existing state school foundation aid under Section 257.16, with no additional state funding required.