Over the course of its 59-year history, Roosevelt High School has built a legacy of academic excellence and engagement with the neighborhood surrounding its campus. It is those strong community relationships and strategic collaboration with its South Oak Cliff neighborhood that is fueling Roosevelt’s resurgence as the “School of Innovation”, with innovative programming like the emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter training.
“The community wanted to have programs that would retain the students here at Roosevelt,” said LaKisha Thomas, principal of Roosevelt High School of Innovation. “Roosevelt alumni initiated the process, and we collaborate with the overall goal of preparing kids to be in high-wage jobs that are in demand.”
Both the EMT and firefighting program are a part of a renewed emphasis on community health, and are a part of Roosevelt’s H-Tech program – a collaboration with Dallas College El Centro. The program allows students to gain valuable work experience and earn up to 60 tuition-free college credit hours or an Associate of Applied Science degree in four years. The expanded program offerings coincide with the recent opening of the school’s recently renovated 70,000-square-foot campus.
Students who participate in the firefighter training program gain both technical instruction and hands-on skills from current and retired firefighting professionals. Students enrolled in EMT courses will experience clinical field training in an emergency room and ambulance.
For more information about Roosevelt High School of Innovation, visit: www.dallasisd.org/discoverdallasisd
