Through Moraine Park’s High School Career Academies, students can get a head start on college and a career before they receive their high school diploma. The Fire Academy is one of those opportunities, offering a direct path into the fire protection field through hands-on, career-focused training.
A High School Career Academy allows students to complete a defined set of college courses in a specific career area while still in high school. By finishing all required coursework, students earn a Moraine Park certificate or technical diploma credential. It is a powerful way to build real skills that can lead directly to employment or continue into advanced education.
In 2025, seniors Macy Nikkinen, of West Bend West High School, Raymond Ellis, of Ripon High School, and Grahm Gopalan, of Waupun High School, stepped into that opportunity.
The nine-credit Fire Academy introduces students to the foundations of fire protection while preparing them for the state Firefighter 1 Certification exam. Coursework includes Firefighting Principles, Hazmat Awareness and Operations and Fire Prevention courses.
Unlike a traditional high school classroom, the Fire Academy places students in active learning environments at Moraine Park’s Horicon Regional Center.
“I really like how different it is from my regular high school classes,” Nikkinen said. “It’s so hands-on. We’re not just sitting and listening. We’re actually doing the work and practicing the skills we’ll need in the field.”
After graduating from high school in spring 2026, Nikkinen hopes to become an airport firefighter, a goal she is already moving toward through her early training.
The credits earned through the Fire Academy can be applied to the Fire Protection Technician Associate Degree program and prepares students for the state firefighter license exams.
For students who are ready to take action, Moraine Park’s High School Career Academies offer more than college credit. They offer direction, confidence and a clear path forward.
Moraine Park offers multiple opportunities for high school students interested in getting a head start on career exploration.
For more information, visit morainepark.edu/dual-enrollment.