Ten College of the Canyons fire technology students have received $1,000 scholarships from Edison International to cover tuition, books and school-related fees.

The students – Anthony Caron, Christopher Denys, Jake Federico, Adam Gonzalez, Amjad Kirrish, Sean O’Connor, Christian Ramirez Guerrero, Justin Russell, Emilio Santoyo and Mark Sayegh – had to have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, be enrolled in the college’s fire technology program, and respond to four essay questions about their fire service career goals.

“College tuition, books, and fees all add up,” said Keith Kawamoto, fire technology department chair. “Edison’s generous contribution to our students provides increased access and opportunities for success. A $1,000 scholarship goes a long way toward helping each of these fire technology students achieve their dream of earning their associate degree and a career in the fire service.”

The scholarships were awarded through a $25,000 grant from Edison International in support of the college’s development of present and future fire personnel.

The grant was offered to College of the Canyons, Santa Ana College, Victor Valley College, Crafton Hills College and Mt. San Antonio College last fall. These five California Community Colleges were selected to pilot the program because of their successful fire technology programs and their service to a wide demographic of students.

“The partnership between Edison and COC is off to a successful start,” said Kawamoto. “Edison’s generosity has allowed our fire technology department to purchase valuable hands-on training equipment, as well as award twenty $1,000 scholarships to our fire technology students. Edison and our community will see a strong return on this investment. These students will graduate from our program with the knowledge to protect our communities, save lives and property, and stay safe on the job.”

College of the Canyons offers fire technology courses within the School of Mathematics, Sciences & Health Professions to provide the ample fire department staffing to battle California’s wildfires.

This program offers certificate/degree opportunities for both pre-service individuals and in-service professionals who seek career advancement. COC fire technology courses align with the uniform curriculum laid down by California Community Colleges.

Fire Technology Program Information