Program Details

The Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program equips high school students with essential certifications and hands-on experience, preparing them for further education and impactful careers in fields such as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and community safety. This program includes:

Bundle of Credits: Students must complete nine senior credits including:

 ·   Four major credits in Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services including courses like law and criminology. 

 ·       One English credit.

 ·       One Mathematics credit.

*Sample Course Selections for a University Bound Student Studying Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services

*Contact Student Services at your school for course availability and planning support

 Two Co-operative Education Credits related to Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services. Apprenticeship, College, or Workplace bound students can take FOUR or more credits in co-op while fulfilling graduation requirements.

 Certifications and Training: Students must complete sector-recognized certifications and training, such as:

•          Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C
•           Standard First Aid
•            Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

 Experiential Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through co-operative education placements, job shadowing, and field trips

·     Reach Ahead Experiences: Activities that connect students with their postsecondary goals, such as visits to colleges, universities, or workplaces.

·     Sector-Partnered Experiences: Activities involving industry partners to gain real-world experience.  

Example of Experiential Learning  

A Justice, Community Safety, Emergency Services SHSM field trip might involve visiting a local courthouse to observe real court proceedings and meet with judges and lawyers. They would participate in a mock trial to understand the judicial process and roles within the legal system. This experience would provide valuable insights into careers in law and justice, enhancing their understanding of legal principles and courtroom dynamics.

Career Opportunities: 

         Workplace Pathway:

       Careers such as police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or security guard.

College Pathway:

       Programs like Police Foundations, Firefighter Education, Paramedic, or Legal Studies.

University Pathway:

       Degrees in Criminology, Law, Public Safety, or Emergency Management.

Apprenticeship Pathway:

       Roles such as emergency medical technician or fire protection technician.

Sample of Elective Certifications for the Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Sector SHSM