LEMOORE, CA – Since July 1, more than 50 local high school students have been gaining hands-on college and career experience through Lemoore College’s summer Jump Start internship program—a dynamic, dual enrollment opportunity that allows students to earn college credit while exploring high-demand career fields.
Jump Start students come from high schools across Kings and Fresno counties and spend
several weeks on campus engaging in interactive learning, career exploration, and
college success activities. Through the program, students are introduced to pathways
in the industry areas of Agriculture and Industrial Technology, First Responders,
and Culinary Skills —all while experiencing what it’s like to be a college student.
“Jump Start empowers our local youth by giving them early access to college and career training,” said James Preston, President of Lemoore College. “They gain confidence, build academic momentum, and get inspired by real-world applications of what they’re learning.”
Today, 15 students in the Jump Start First Responders pathway participated in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) simulation led by Guadalupe Capozzi, a faculty member from the Lemoore College Administration of Justice program. The event, held at the Lemoore Youth Sports Complex, simulated a drunk driver plowing into a crowd of protesters—challenging students to work side by side with professionals to triage and manage a crisis scene.
Agencies involved in the simulation included the Lemoore Police Department, Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department, Hanford Fire Department, Kings County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, and American Ambulance.
The Jump Start program is just one example of how Lemoore College is helping students and families in the region prepare for the future—offering early exposure to college and career-connected experiences, as well as access to supportive faculty and staff.
To learn more about Jump Start, visit lemoorecollege.edu/info/jumpstart.