Eleven young adults, ages 18 to 26, graduated from the inaugural class of the Newark EMS Corps on Thursday, February 27, after completing a five-month, paid emergency medical technician (EMT) job training program.

Newark, NJ – GreenLight Fund Greater Newark and Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) are celebrating 11 young adults, ages 18 to 26, who recently graduated from the inaugural class of Newark EMS Corps after completing a five-month, paid emergency medical technician (EMT) job training program. As part of the EMT program, graduates receive job placement, mentoring and wraparound support services as they prepare to enter the workforce.

“From attending the launch event for Newark EMS Corps to celebrating the first graduating class from the job training program, this is a proud moment for the people of Newark,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “These young adults are not only embarking on a promising new career, but they are answering the call to serve their community. We are at a critical moment in our society, and we are so grateful to young people who are stepping up to respond whenever there is an emergency.”

In addition to improving health outcomes and providing lifesaving care, Newark EMS Corps aims to break down barriers by supporting sustainable career pathways. Graduates will enter the workforce pursuing careers in emergency response, healthcare, and public safety.

Direct service provider NOYN is managing, operating and overseeing the implementation of the Newark EMS Corps program.

“There are a large number of young people in Newark who are disconnected from school or work,” said Robert Clark, Founder & CEO, Newark Opportunity Youth Network. “Newark EMS Corps is a proven workforce development initiative that will help create jobs in our community, and we look forward to seeing the meaningful opportunities that will be available to these students upon graduation.”

Nonprofit funder GreenLight Fund Greater Newark led a nationwide search that brought the proven EMS Corps program to the Greater Newark community and supported its expansion.

“The Newark EMS Corps graduation ceremony is a reminder of the extraordinary potential that exists within our communities to drive positive change,” said GreenLight Fund Greater Newark Executive Director Tish Johnson-Jones, JD. “This is just the beginning for our talented and determined graduates. As they prepare to enter the workforce, they are continuing the legacy of the Freedom House first responders, helping to break down barriers, advance health equity, and ensure communities of color have access to critical care services. We are so proud of our graduates and are excited to see where their career paths will take them.”

“Freedom House” is a moving documentary that details the systemic barriers historically underserved communities face, highlighting how the original 911 operating system neglected communities of color, and the history of modern-day pre-hospital care which began with Black residents in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Public Works Alliance is a national non-profit that is responsible for expanding the EMS Corps program to Newark and nationwide.

“From the community, ready to serve is the EMS Corps motto,” said Mike Gibson, Founder of EMS Corps and Director at Public Works Alliance. “Bringing this program to Newark, New Jersey and partnering with NOYN and RWJ Barnabas Mobile Health has been both rewarding and transformative. We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of the first cohort.”

“The first Newark EMS Corps program graduates plan to pursue jobs as EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and firefighters,” said Kofi Taha, Public Works Alliance’s implementation lead in Newark. “As these graduates enter the workforce, there is no doubt their own lives and the lives of others will be positively impacted. This is how we strengthen communities from the inside out.”

Applications for the second Newark EMS cohort are now open, which starts in April 2025. RWJ Barnabas Health’s Mobile Health serves as a training partner.

Visit https://newarkemscorps.org/ for more information.