In San Diego County, the Youth Development Academy’s (YDA) Fire Program is redefining what it means to support youth who are involved in the justice system. This program, a collaborative effort between San Diego County Probation and San Diego County Fire, offers a path forward that allows young people to gain valuable life skills, connect with their communities, and work toward a career in the fire service. 

Each day in the program looks different. One morning, participants may be in the classroom earning certifications in wildland firefighting; the next, they’re clearing brush to reduce wildfire risks. They train in emergency medical response, develop physical endurance, and give back to the community through food distribution. For participants like Karlos C., the program offers a sense of belonging that transcends traditional punitive measures. 

The program is structured into key phases. First, participants undergo a rigorous 19-week academy training, where they learn essential skills in wildfire mitigation, public safety, incident command systems, and tool maintenance while also building physical fitness. Next, they apply these skills in real-world settings, such as contributing to County projects to mitigate wildfire risks and packaging food for local families in need. 

The work is hands-on and high-impact, with participants earning certifications in wildland firefighting operations and FEMA courses, all of which set them up for careers in firefighting, conservation, or public safety. For one participant, Francisco A., it’s not just about the technical skills:  

 The program’s focus on hands-on experience and workforce development is exactly what Supervising Probation Officer Eduardo Calderon describes as essential for breaking cycles of harm:  

“We’re at that transition point where we need to develop workforce development and rethink what youth justice is. When we do this, we decrease the chances of youth reoffending,”  

The results are already tangible and transformative: after nearly a year of the program’s existence, three participants have graduated from the program and are now in the workforce and pursuing college degrees. At its core, the YDA Fuel Crew program is a collaboration between probation, detention facility staff, and the broader San Diego County community, all working together to create opportunities for young people to succeed. As participant Karlos C. puts it,  

“Programs like these and the people who run it are really here to benefit us, to see us do better with ourselves.”  

In fall 2024, OYCR Director Katherine Lucero visited the program site and got to see firsthand the incredible work ethic, determination, and resilience of the participants. For OYCR, the program is part of a larger vision to shift the focus from punishment to healing, empowering youth to tap into their resilience and create a new path for themselves. As the program continues to expand and welcome new participants, its impact is clear: youth in the justice system need a second chance and the tools to build a fulfilling future outside of the system. OYCR looks forward to working more closely with the program in the future.