AUBURN, IL — On Thursday, April 23, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. hosted a graduation ceremony for 10 Auburn High School students who have completed emergency medical responder (EMR) training during their lunch period this semester, marking an innovative approach to expanding access to healthcare careers.
The program – now in its third cohort at the school – demonstrates a successful and scalable model for addressing two critical challenges in Illinois: building stronger career pathways for students and tackling ongoing workforce shortages in emergency medical services (EMS). By bringing EMR training directly into the school day, Superior Ambulance removes barriers to entry and provides students with early exposure to a high-demand field.
“At Superior Ambulance, we’re committed to removing barriers and creating pathways into EMS careers,” said Kim Godden, Vice President of Superior Ambulance. “By meeting students where they are and integrating training into the school day, we’re helping develop the next generation of emergency responders while strengthening the communities we serve.”
Graduates earn industry-recognized credentials before finishing high school, helping strengthen the local EMS workforce while creating a direct pipeline from education to employment. The program also benefits the broader community by increasing the number of trained responders, enhancing public safety preparedness, and expanding access to stable, meaningful careers in healthcare and public safety.
The school is committed to providing students with practical knowledge, like skills in emergency medicine.
“We’re always looking for ways to give our students experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom,” said Hosea Harris, Student Mentor at Auburn High School. “Seeing them gain hands-on skills and confidence in a field as important as emergency response is incredibly rewarding, and it opens doors they may not have otherwise considered.”
Superior Ambulance aims to replicate the program across additional schools throughout the Chicagoland region, further supporting workforce development and community health outcomes.
The ceremony is a reminder of the important skills these students have learned and will take with them after high school.
Illinois State Representative Dave Vella (D-68) was in attendance and praised the workforce development efforts of Superior Ambulance and Auburn High School.
“This program is exactly the kind of forward-thinking solution we need right now. Superior Ambulance’s program strengthens our healthcare workforce while opening real career opportunities for students,” Rep. Vella said. “By bringing hands-on EMR training directly into the school day, Auburn High School and Superior Ambulance are helping build a pipeline of skilled professionals who will serve and protect our communities for years to come.”
10 Auburn High School students celebrate completing the emergency medical responder course with their instructor, Superior Ambulance employees, school staff and Illinois State Representative Dave Vella (D-68).
