Discover Your Path

T he Fire Department of the City of New York is continually looking to advance the opportunities for young people to become part of the City’s Bravest. To help support this goal, the Department has created a Youth Workforce Development Initiative. To date, this initiative’s programs have helped many New Yorkers pursue and accomplish their dream of becoming a member of the Department.


FDNY Exploring Program

The FDNY Exploring Program is part of the Greater New York Councils Exploring Program. The Exploring Program gives New Yorkers (aged 14 to 20) the opportunity to gain valuable insight into a career at the Fire Department, while simultaneously building plans for their futures. The innovative program helps participants gain work experience and assistance with educational and fitness requirements that are critical to successfully pursuing a career at the FDNY. Participants also develop contacts with FDNY Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics and others already on the job.

Requirements to Join:

  • At least 14 to 20 years of age and enrolled in a high school, college or general equivalency (GED) program.
  • Proof of ability to maintain satisfactory report card average.
  • Provide a doctor’s letter of good health.
  • Must be able to attend four meetings per month.
  • Pay an annual fee of $15 (to cover liability insurance and administrative fees)

Enroll in the Program: Contact an FDNY Recruiter to Learn More


FDNY Fire Cadet

FDNY Fire Cadet is a rewarding career that educates New Yorkers ages 18-26 about FDNY operations and provides them with leadership training. The two-year apprenticeship program includes extensive classroom, field and fitness instruction, the opportunity to take the Promotion to Firefighter exam and more.

Requirements to Join:

    • Education: Candidates must have graduated from a New York City public high school, or a private high school in New York City approved by the New York State Education Department or a recognized accrediting organization and received a four-year high school diploma; or attended and did not graduate from a New York City public high school, or a private high school in New York City approved by the New York State Education Department or a recognized accrediting organization, but obtained a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE) or its educational equivalent approved by New York State’s Department of Education.
    • Citizenship: Only United States citizens are eligible to become Fire Cadets.
    • Residency: Candidates who are accepted into the Fire Cadet Academy must maintain New York City residency throughout the duration of the program and will be required to establish New York City residency within 90 days of appointment.
    • Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and not above 26 years of age on the date their application is submitted.
    • Language: Candidates must be able to understand and be understood in English.
    • Physical and other requirements: Candidates must be physically fit and able to meet the medical, psychological, and character requirements of the position of Firefighter.

Learn More: FDNY Fire Cadet


FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

Housed in Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, and part of the City’s small schools initiative, the FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety is a joint program between the Fire Department and the Department of Education. The High School provides a rigorous academic program with a special emphasis on the academic, physical and moral rigors of emergency response with a special focus on emergency medical and firefighting careers. Many graduates from FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety go on to gain employment at the Fire Department.

Enroll in the Program: Contact an FDNY Recruiter to Learn More

FDNY Youth News

April 28, 2023

Join FDNY Podcast Episode 4: ‘This is what I’ve always wanted to do’

On this episode, the FDNY Youth alums takeover. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” Program Manager EMT Anthony Gadison recalled about what his former […]
March 21, 2023

Apply Today to Train in the FDNY Youth Summer EMS Academy

Get motivated today to join the FDNY Youth EMS Academy (YEMSA). The application period to train in the Summer 2023 Cohorts is currently open. The program, […]
January 31, 2023

Eleven FDNY Youth Alums Graduate from the EMS Academy

Shout-out to the 11 FDNY Youth members who graduated from the EMS Academy today. This latest group includes alumni of the FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard […]
January 30, 2023

Join FDNY Podcast Episode 1: ‘This is a really special place’

“This is a really special place,” explained Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to hosts Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons and Captain Andrew Brown. “That’s not just a talking point. […]
January 4, 2023

FDNY HS Students Learn Next Level Skills in New Robotics Club

Today, we are taking a closer look into the newly launched FDNY High School Robotics Club. Led by Squad 18 Firefighter Alcide Salce, this after-school club […]
September 16, 2022

Meet the Academic Achievers for SEMSA 2022

Shout-out to FDNY Youth members Mark Blair, Mmesoma Onukaogu and Diamond Zephirin for earning the honor of Academic Achiever for the 2022 FDNY Youth Summer EMS […]
August 27, 2022

FDNY Youth Members Complete the Summer Leadership Academy

Shout-out to the 40 FDNY Youth members who completed the 2022 FDNY Summer Leadership Academy at Fort Totten this week. The group, which includes both FDNY […]
August 16, 2022

FDNY Youth Visit 9/11 Memorial and Participate in a Spirit Run

On Aug. 12, members of the FDNY Youth Summer EMS Academy visited the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan and participated in a Spirit Run at our EMS […]
July 22, 2022

FDNY Summer Interns Lend a Helping Hand at the New York City E-Prix

Join us today in learning about FDNY Summer Interns Kajuan Johnson and Kaitlyn Cintron, who took part in ensuring the safety of patrons at the 2022 […]