Texas Emergency Management Academy is accepting applications for its next cadet class

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced today that the application period is open to join the next graduating class of The Texas Emergency Management Academy. Local residents are encouraged to apply who have met the following criteria:

• Show certification of completion of certain relevant courses available online.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be able to travel up to 10% for work.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.

The third cadet class of The Academy begins September 2024 in San Antonio, and lasts for approximately eight months. This one-of-a-kind emergency management academy aims at training the next generation of emergency management workforce.

The program comprehensively prepares interested individuals in all four phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

“As TDEM continues to train future generations of emergency management professionals, we are ecstatic to begin recruitment for the next cohort of cadets to join The Academy,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “This foundational learning opportunity lays groundwork for continued professional development and training in disaster and emergency services as we continue our efforts to protect life and property across Texas.”

The Academy, which has expanded enrollment to provide opportunities for local officials, has made seats available for local emergency management and private sector personnel with emergency management roles in Texas.

Successful graduates of The Academy ascertain basic knowledge of emergency management planning, wildland firefighting, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, resource requests, and other key aspects of emergency management. Graduates earn multiple nationally-recognized emergency management certifications, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Professional Development Series (PDS), FEMA's Advanced Professional Series (APS), FEMA’s Continuity Excellence Series Level I Professional Continuity Practitioner program, and the National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA). Graduates also leave The Academy as certified basic emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and will achieve National Registry Certification upon successful completion.

Many of the course instructors are nationally-renowned experts, authorities from institutions of higher education, and include TDEM subject matter experts.

“We are excited to find exceptional candidates for the next group of emergency management professionals,” said Division Chief David Covington, who leads The Academy’s development and curriculum. “This comprehensive training will guide cadets through emergency management careers through robust instruction and hands-on learning."

The Inaugural class of The Academy graduated in Spring 2023. The current cadet class will graduate in Spring 2024.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit tdem.texas.gov/academy to learn more and apply.