CORE recently hosted a special event in Fort Lauderdale to unveil a new EMT scholarship designed to support future first responders in Broward County. The scholarship will fully fund EMT training for two students each semester at Broward College and is made possible through a $10,000 donation from CORE.
With Fort Lauderdale now serving as CORE’s Florida headquarters—and as the #1 Public Safety Builder (BD+C Giants) —CORE wanted to do more than just work in the community. The idea for the scholarship came from Cody Kiess, President of CORE ‘s Florida operations, who was inspired by his own experience as a local police explorer and by his mother’s service as a firefighter with the Broward Sheriff’s Office. In conversations with Captain Shane Simcox of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and Officer Justin Fairburn of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department—both of whom lead the City’s Fire and Police Explorer programs—Kiess learned just how significant the financial barriers can be for young people pursuing a career in fire service. EMT school, paramedic certification, and fire academy training are often required just to apply.
From there, Kiess connected with Broward College President and CEO, Torey Alston, who quickly brought in the Broward College Foundation. Together with Jim DeChant of the Foundation, the partners worked to create a scholarship that could help eliminate those barriers and give students a clear path into public safety careers.
“This isn’t just about funding a class,” said Kiess. “It’s about helping young people in our community move forward. If this scholarship keeps someone on the path to becoming a firefighter or paramedic, then it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to.”
The launch event also recognized two students preparing to begin EMT school this semester—both participants in the Explorer program—who now have a fully funded opportunity to pursue their training. Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan, who attended the event, noted the life-saving ripple effect of the initiative: “I can’t wait to see, through this gift, the number of lives they’ll be able to save during their careers.”
CORE’s involvement in public safety goes beyond scholarships. Through their Clean Public Safety Building (CleanPSB) initiative, the company collaborates with fire and police departments nationwide to design and build facilities that promote long-term health and reduce occupational risks. CORE is also one of the nation’s top builders of K–12 and higher education facilities—and is currently delivering Broward College’s new Nursing and STEM Lab projects. This scholarship represents another way CORE proudly supports the College’s mission and continues to deepen their partnership.
“We’re proud to build facilities that serve the public,” said Kiess. “But the real impact happens when you help someone take the first step into a career of service. That’s what this scholarship is about.”
The program will continue each semester, building a pipeline of skilled, local EMTs—and a stronger, safer Broward County.
